Birth date: Nov 4, 1947 Death date: Jan 14, 2022
Sabatino “Sam” Ceruso was born on November 4, 1947 in Rocca Priora, Roma (Italy) into a large loving family. Sabatino was a vivacious child and his parents fostered his creativity by encouraging him to become a barber. At the age Read Obituary
I was only about 10 years old when he came to the USA and stayed with our family. We saw our young Uncle Sammy as a handsome and quiet young man, but we kept him alert because we were a crazy bunch, all 13 of us kids. We will always remember our time together with his sister (who was my mom), my dad and my twelve hyperactive brothers and sisters.
He didn't speak much English back then, but around all of us, he learned very fast. He also learned how to sing in English and how to play the guitar. This was a satisfying hobby to Uncle Sammy particularly when he discovered it created a much more peaceful living environment for us and our parents. That was because instead of playing games like “tag” in our little 3- bedroom apartment, he would gather us around to sing with him as he played his guitar. We sang many popular tunes of the day, especially Beatles songs, and when he sang solo we were all fully absorbed as he entertained us.
There were also the days when Uncle Sammy learned to practice his skills as a barber. So on “haircut day”, myself and all my siblings would line up for our turn on the “barber’s chair”, that old squeaking folding chair we rarely used. One after another we would watch as each of us were cut, anxious to make fun of each other when he was finished. My Uncle Sammy’s love for discipline was perhaps born in those early days, as he fought relentlessly to stop us from moving and fooling around as he tried to give us a great haircut. While our parents loved this event, as kids none of us liked getting our hair cut. So It was always a long day, but we all looked so handsome when it was over!
Then the sad day came when like several of my brothers, Uncle Sammy was drafted into the Army and went to fight in the war in Vietnam. As with many soldiers it was a unique time in his life, but he actually fell in love with the regiment of army life. That love ultimately led to a career in the Army and a role as a staff sergeant, which he and his family were very proud.
My Uncle Sammy suffered many years from cancer but it always seemed to me he accepted it with dignity and grace. He will forever be remembered and loved by those who knew him. We love you Uncle Sammy and we will always miss you!
my memories of Sabatine were always a pleasant one He visited our home often ,and play the guitar singing many beetle songs. I was two Yrs younger than sammy in 1969 doing my tour with The Marine :flag-us:he visited our home often and play the guitar singing many beetle songs .miraculously in 1969 doing my tour with the Marines in Viet Nam we went separately on R&R to Bangkok Thailand .and I found Sammy at a Thai boxing match .from that moment we partied danced sang songs and had an unbelievable four day stint ,before going back to the combat zone he will be greatly missed by family and friends and I always have that memory . rest in peace Sabatine :flag-us:🙏💪🔥love your nephew Roy USMC FDNY
