Samuel M. Cannella

Samuel M. Cannella, 78, of Pine Brook, N.J., passed away Oct. 1, 2013. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at the Dancy Funeral Home, 9 Smull Ave., Caldwell, N.J., on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, from 3 to 8 p.m. There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Pius X Church, Changebridge Rd., Montville, N.J., on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at 10 a.m., followed by the entombment at Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover, N.J. For directions or to send condolences, please visit www.dancyfuneralhome.com. Sam was born in Newark, N.J. on Sept. 1, 1935, and resided in Bloomfield, N.J., until 1963, when he and Carmel, his wife of 57 years, moved to Pine Brook. A successful entrepreneur and real estate developer, Sam was well-known and loved as the owner and operator of Augsburger Tool & Die Co. and Accurate Molding & Manufacturing Corp. He served as a commissioner for the New Jersey Racing Commission and was a member of the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, where he also served as past president. He served in the National Guard. Sam loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and his many brothers and sisters, and traveling with his wife, especially to Florida. He enjoyed spending his leisure time hunting, fishing and playing golf. Sam had a great sense of humor but will be remembered most for his love of his family and endless generosity. He was a loyal, caring, and helpful friend to many and will be dearly missed by all. Sam was the beloved husband of Carmel Cannella (nee Russomano); devoted father of Debra Socci and her husband, Joseph, and Cathy Cannella; cherished grandfather to Christina and Joseph Samuel Socci; dear brother to Alexander, Orlando, and Dante Cannella, and Edith Ficeto, Josephine Garamella, Frances Beresik, and Rose Marie Pettoni. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Sam was predeceased by his parents, Alexander and Carmella (Sedicino) Cannella; his brother, Armando, and sisters, Emily Izzi, Lillian Juliano, and Jean Rufolo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montville Township First Aid Squad, 137 Changebridge Rd., Montville, N.J. 07045.