1920
Walter
2006
Walter Francis Sammartino
October 27, 1920 — April 12, 2006
SAMMARTINO, WALTER F., 85, of Oaklawn Ave., passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2006, at Miriam Hospital in Providence. He was the beloved husband of Antoinette (Rizzo) Sammartino.
Born in Providence on October 27, 1920, he was the son of the late Achille and Emilia (Amicarelli) Sammartino. He graduated from Classical High School, attended Norwich Military Academy, and after WWII, graduated from Brown University, Class of 1943.
Mr. Sammartino was a WWII Army Air Corps pilot who served in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of the Lions Club, as well as the Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths Association.
While attending the Jeweler’s Ball in NY City in 1948, he met his wife Antoinette, whose family was also in the business. In 1949, they married after a long-distance courtship, writing many letters, as they were separated by an 8-hour road trip.
In 1955, he started Sammartino Inc., a jewelry manufacturing company that was successor to the original Sammartino Bros., founded by his father in 1910. His factory outlet showroom was a popular destination for locals and tourists, alike. He later operated SA-GO Research and Development, from which he retired in the fall of 2005.
A strong family man, an industrialist who possessed a rare blend of artistic and innovative talent, a contributor to the community, a great friend, an adventurer, artist, writer and poet, Mr. Sammartino shared his passion for traveling with his family, through camping, motorcycling, and white-water rafting, as well as travels throughout Europe, Central and South America, Asia and Africa. He was a constant fan of his wife Anne’s gourmet cooking, and in his later years, enjoyed playing poker and chess with his friends and family. Most of all, he will be remembered for the way he lit up a room with his presence, always touching his listeners with the gift of his wonderful humor.
Besides his loving wife of 57 years, he is survived by his devoted daughters, and sons-in-law, Anita Sammartino, Emilia Sammartino and Avak Martirossian, Nina Sammartino Birmingham and Dale Birmingham, and Tonya Sammartino-Zezza and Alessandro Zezza. He was the much-loved grandfather of Bianca, Alex, Nicholas, Chloe, Lucia and Marco, and the brother of the late Tina Penza and Emily Iannuccillo.
His funeral will be held Wednesday, April 19th at 9am, from the MACERONI Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. VISITATION Tuesday 2-4pm and 6-9pm. Information / condolences at www.premierfunerals.com
Born in Providence on October 27, 1920, he was the son of the late Achille and Emilia (Amicarelli) Sammartino. He graduated from Classical High School, attended Norwich Military Academy, and after WWII, graduated from Brown University, Class of 1943.
Mr. Sammartino was a WWII Army Air Corps pilot who served in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of the Lions Club, as well as the Manufacturing Jewelers and Silversmiths Association.
While attending the Jeweler’s Ball in NY City in 1948, he met his wife Antoinette, whose family was also in the business. In 1949, they married after a long-distance courtship, writing many letters, as they were separated by an 8-hour road trip.
In 1955, he started Sammartino Inc., a jewelry manufacturing company that was successor to the original Sammartino Bros., founded by his father in 1910. His factory outlet showroom was a popular destination for locals and tourists, alike. He later operated SA-GO Research and Development, from which he retired in the fall of 2005.
A strong family man, an industrialist who possessed a rare blend of artistic and innovative talent, a contributor to the community, a great friend, an adventurer, artist, writer and poet, Mr. Sammartino shared his passion for traveling with his family, through camping, motorcycling, and white-water rafting, as well as travels throughout Europe, Central and South America, Asia and Africa. He was a constant fan of his wife Anne’s gourmet cooking, and in his later years, enjoyed playing poker and chess with his friends and family. Most of all, he will be remembered for the way he lit up a room with his presence, always touching his listeners with the gift of his wonderful humor.
Besides his loving wife of 57 years, he is survived by his devoted daughters, and sons-in-law, Anita Sammartino, Emilia Sammartino and Avak Martirossian, Nina Sammartino Birmingham and Dale Birmingham, and Tonya Sammartino-Zezza and Alessandro Zezza. He was the much-loved grandfather of Bianca, Alex, Nicholas, Chloe, Lucia and Marco, and the brother of the late Tina Penza and Emily Iannuccillo.
His funeral will be held Wednesday, April 19th at 9am, from the MACERONI Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. VISITATION Tuesday 2-4pm and 6-9pm. Information / condolences at www.premierfunerals.com
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