Sam Tomaino

Sam Tomaino, 86, of West Scranton, passed away on Tuesday afternoon at home.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Ann DeLuca and the late Samuel Tomaino. He was a graduate of Mother Cabrini grade school and West Scranton High School.  Prior to retirement he was the DPW Director of Roads and Bridges for the City of Scranton.

Sam was a charismatic man who made friends wherever he went.  Family and friends meant everything to him and would do anything for them.  He lived his life by family traditions and establishing and maintaining friendships.

The Feast of the 7 Fishes was at the top of his list including frying the calamari on Christmas Eve. He would often say, “As long as I’m with my family I don’t care if I eat a bologna sandwich.” Which wasn’t necessarily true due to his love for great Italian food.

His home away from home was the Victor Alfieri Society.  The Brotherhood he felt there was second to none. It was so fulfilling to him to be a part of this organization as a member and a Trustee. Whether he was helping with the Bocce League, Spaghetti Dinners, or resolving problems, he loved it.  He was most spirited when he was involved in the Scholarship programs. Selecting the right candidate and handing out the scholarships were very meaningful to him.

Although Sam was a true-blue man of West Side he was very proud to support his grandsons A.J. and Christian as they played football and basketball at Scranton Prep.  He was their #1 fan adorned in purple and gold!  Missing a game simply was not an option.

Sunday mornings were set with mass at St. Lucy’s, coffee with the guys, and then heading to Old Forge with pancakes and donuts for Sammy and Tia.  He looked forward to his visits with them as they were the loves of his life.  Although they were divorced, he maintained a beautiful loving relationship with Barb and would do anything for her.

Making wine & soppressata was one of his passions, but the friendships he created with this beloved group of men fulfilled him in a way that could never be replaced. 

Sam was an only child and raised by a single mother.  He had a simple life but was rich with all the friendships he created throughout his lifetime.  He was especially grateful for his wonderful friendships with Joe Guido and Paul Williams, who were there for him daily with love and compassion while he was struggling due to his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Patrick Connors and his staff for their great care and compassion throughout the years and to his dear friend Dr. Elmo Baldassari who was always there for him in every way.

Surviving is a daughter, Debbie Kohut and husband Andy, Dickson City. Grandchildren, A.J. and Christian Kohut, both of Dickson City and Tia and Sammy Tomaino, both of Old Forge. His former wife, Barbara Tomaino, Scranton and daughter-in-law, Tara Tomaino, Old Forge.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Sammy Tomaino.

The funeral will be Monday from the Savino Traditional Funerals and Cremation Care, 157 S. Main Ave, Scranton with a funeral mass at 10:00am at St. Michael the Archangel Parish at St. Lucy’s Church, 949 Scranton St. in Scranton.

Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday from 2-5pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Victor Alfieri Society, 206 N Main Avenue, Scranton, PA  18504

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