Sam J. Fuoco Jr.

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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 at St. Patrick 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 U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon his 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 one week shy of his 90th birthday.

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.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on March 18, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Salt Lake City. Interment followed at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Addio Sam, ti vogliamo bene. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Italian American Civic League or the Carmelite sisters in Holladay.