Sam J. Fuoco Jr.
March 15, 1935 - March 7, 2025
Sam Fuoco passed away peacefully March 7, 2025. Sam was born March 15, 1935, son of Sam and Frances Fuoco. Born in the height of the depression to immigrant parents, Sam had a frugality and go-getter attitude that he carried through life. There was nothing Sam couldn’t build or fix, and he was always there to help. He was intensely loyal to those he loved.
Sam was a proud Italian born and raised in the historical Italian Westside neighborhood of Salt Lake City, and he never left his roots. He was baptized in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and his unwavering loyalty never left that church visiting and volunteering up until his last day. Sam graduated from West High School where he met some of his greatest lifelong friends.
After High School, Sam served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon return, Sam began working for Mountain Fuel where he spent his whole career, retired with tenure, and met some of his best lifelong friends. Sam always felt a great responsibility for caring and providing for his mother and two sisters, Rose, and Louise and never relented in his commitment to them.
Sam loved the Italian American Civic League, coffee and lunches with his family and friends, a good sports bet, a craps table, and a glass of Vino or Crown Royal. Sam enjoyed life and was stubbornly independent till his last day on earth, passing just 1 week shy of his 90th birthday.
Celebration of life will be held on Monday, March 17th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 18th at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1058 W 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT. Interment to follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave & “T” Street.
Sam is preceded in death by his mother and father and sisters, as well as dear friends too many to name. He is survived by his cousins and many of his friends from work, the west side, and the Italian community.
Addio Sam, ti vogliamo bene. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Italian America Civic League or Carmelite Sisters Holliday.
In Loving Memory
Sam was definitely one of a kind. I am so proud to be his Goddaughter. He will be missed at the Italian Festival this year! Love Brenda
Brenda Barber
Taylorsville, UT
Rest in peace my friend, you were one of the great ones!
Dennis Cox
Tucson, AZ
I’ve known Sam my entire life. Sam and his family were a big part of our lives. Sam and my Father Joe Polidori grew up together. I heard a lot of stories about their Shenanigans and I’m sure there were many more stories. As a young child Sam would always show up at my Nanas with Silver Dollars for me and my siblings. Never did he ever forget those silver dollars. It was like I hit the Jackpot very time I saw him. I’m also a proud owner of at least a dozen cork trivets and 3 ft tall cork Christmas Tree. Sam was always grateful for visits and Italian Cookies. He was very proud of his heritage. I recently spent time with Sam and he always had a new story for me. Condolences to his Family.
Gia Polidori Martinez
West Jordan, UT
Sam was a great guy who taught us about how to be a true Italian .
Brandon Foy
West valley city, Utah
Although we only knew Sam a short while, as far as his life goes, we loved him and appreciated the time that we got to spend with him. He was always gentle of Heart quick witted and pleasant to be with. We were blessed to be able to know him for as long as we did may he rest in peace. God bless you, and keep you Sam Fuoco.
Michael and Jo-Ann Ori
Price,, Utah
Condolences to the Fuoco family. I'm sad to hear of Sam's passing. It sounds like he made a great life. I was fortunate enough to meet many Fuoco's during my stint in Salt Lake City (2011-2016) and learn how our families (Fuoco / Mancuso) interacted as part of the IACL over the years.
Anthony Towne
Tampa, Florida