Sam ALBANESE

On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Markham Stouffville Hospital, with his family by his side, Sam (Salvatore) Albanese's fight with cancer came to a peaceful end. He is survived by his "favourite wife," Jessie, to whom he was devoted to for 41 years; his four children, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Sara, and David; his much-adored grandchildren, Christian, Zachary, Parker, Annabella, Elliott, Lydia, Rhyker, and Violet; and his brothers, Nick, his golfing buddy, and Joe. First and foremost, Sam was a family man, a father, a husband, a son, and a brother. Although he had many successes in his business career, he considered his greatest success the children he raised, the friendships he maintained (around the world) and the family that he brought together year-round to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and many family traditions. Immigrating with very little to Canada at the age of nine, Sam understood the opportunity that he had been given and took it upon himself to capitalize upon it. Learning the language quickly, excelling through school, entering the business world and starting a family, Sam never took for granted the gifts God bestowed upon him. During the recession of the '90s, Sam saw a need in his chosen professional industry of financial services to start his own insurance brokerage, Albanese Financial Group (AFG). The following years, he built that brokerage from coast to coast across Canada. Sam demonstrated that his greatest achievements came from the relationships he built throughout the years, and he was never afraid to give someone a second chance or provide leadership or mentorship. Recognized as a leader in his profession, after selling his brokerage, he went on to work with Seneca College to help educate the next generation of financial services professionals. Creating the industry-leading Life License Qualification Program, Sam recruited experts from the field who were his friends and colleagues to help teach not only the profession he cherished, but also the people that wanted to grow their own successes in the industry – much like himself. Sam instilled a strong sense of exploration in his family – never missing an opportunity to travel and explore this world. He had many favorite destinations, but none were more important to him than his cottage on Balsam Lake or his home in Naples Florida. Throughout his whole life, he loved sitting on the deck at the cottage and watching the sunset over the lake. When he purchased his home in Naples, it was the sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico that gave him immense joy. Thankfully, he was often able to enjoy these homes and moments surrounded by family and friends. Sam was a steward and pillar of strength in his family, a voice of love, compassion, and reason. Within his community, he was an educator, leader, and philanthropist. He will be loved and missed deeply. A visitation will take place at Dixon Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St., Markham North, on April 11th, from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., as well as 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. There will be a funeral service at St. Patrick's Church in Markham on Friday, April 12th, at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Whitby, Ontario. Donations can be made to either the Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital Foundation or the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, where Sam received very compassionate care.