Paul Strome

Des Moines - Paul Vernon Strome II passed away suddenly Monday, March 25th at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, IA.

He was born on January 6, 1955 at Still Osteopathic Hospital in Des Moines to Paul V. Strome Sr. and Betty (Strome) Caligiuri. He was a graduate of Des Moines North High School. Paul worked construction for his uncle Mike Lake's Home Improvement Company prior to purchasing Sambetti's Restaurant from his parents, Sam and Betty Caligiuri, in the mid 1980's. Paul and his first wife, Cindy, had a son, Paul Vernon Strome III. Paul and Susan Peterson met in 1980 and were married in 1992. Throughout the years they have enjoyed the companionship of their many furry, four-footed "children."

Paul was an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cards and fishing. He sponsored dozens of sports teams including women and men's softball, fast pitch baseball, bowling, volleyball, darts and pool to name a few. For his dedication as a sponsor, Paul was inducted into both the Softball and Bowling Halls of Fame. He was a member of the River Bend Neighborhood Association and sponsored and participated in numerous other community events.

Paul's caring nature was demonstrated frequently by his generosity. He was a fun-loving person who never met a stranger. As the owner of Sambetti's for 33 years, Paul touched the lives of countless patrons of all ages; many have remained dedicated fans throughout the years.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Paul Sr., his mother Betty Caligiuri, his step-father, Sam Caligiuri, his sister, Denise Caligiuri and his father-in-law, George Peterson.

Memories of Paul will be cherished by his family including: his wife Susan, son Paul III and granddaughter Bayleigh; sisters Sherry (Mike) Monscour and sons Jeff, Dick and Chris; and Linda (Kevin) Hammer and daughters Misti (Allen) Sparks, and Emily Thompson (Joe Hildebrand) and son Kadyn; brother Bob (Monica) Morgan and son Andrew, and daughter Ashley (Ben) Hanze and children Lilianne, Frederic, Theodore and Vivienne; niece Jennifer Conrath and daughter Lylah; mother-in-law Marilyn Peterson, sister-in-law Barbara (Dale) Charlson and son Todd Charlson, and daughter Xan (David) McNelly and daughter Sutton. Paul will also be greatly missed by his loving companions Road E. Coyote, Bud E. and Iris Jean.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road on Saturday, April 6th with a visitation from 9-11 a.m. A brief service will be held immediately following the visitation. Following the service, a lunch reception will be held at Sambetti's, 1430 Second Avenue, Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice or visit www.GoFundMe.com and search for Sambetti's. An account has been established to help secure the future of Sambetti's during this unexpected transition period.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Mar. 31, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Strome

Sponsored by Chapel Hill Gardens.

26 Entries

Tony Heiting

March 24, 2023

Paul and his family will be remembered by Des Moines handball players.

Martin Fry

March 24, 2020

Really miss him. Sambettis not quite the same without having Paul greet you, engage in conversation and make you laugh.

Dario Lenarduzzi

March 24, 2020

Cant believe its a year brother! I still look for you every time the door opens at Sambettis. Not a day goes by I dont think about you. Love you brother. Dario Lenarduzzi

Connie Eichhorn

April 7, 2019

I am so sad Paul was taken from us at such a young age. He was a great friend and my heart goes out to all his family and friends; I know he will forever be in our hearts. Paul had the most amazing smile!!

Amy Heinz

Sent Flowers

Michael & Linda Barron

April 4, 2019

We hope you find comfort in your memories of Paul. Let your friends & family surround you with love and may you find strength to help you through this sad time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

HEIDI REKDAL

Sent Flowers

Tony Heiting

April 4, 2019

Sambetties has been our handball gathering spot for over 40 years. Sam, Bettie, and Paul have been so gracious to us during this time. For every pound we lost on the handball court, we would gain two back drinking beer and eating the fine food served by Paul and his staff at Sambetties. For his many contributions to Des Moines handball, Paul was inducted into The Des Moines YMCA Hinder Club "Hall of Fame".

Paul will be missed by the Des Moines handball community.

April 4, 2019

Thanks for everything Paul! Have fun on your
journey!
Orley

Susie Smith

April 3, 2019

Susan and family...

My deepest sympathies go out to you during this difficult time. I am keeping you in my prayers.
I will always remember his laughter and kindness to all. He was really a wonderful person.

God Bless you and your family.

.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Allen and Kathy Sohn

April 2, 2019

We send our prayers to your family, Paul!
The Angels are singing a beautiful song, to have you in their mists. You were no stranger to a stranger, you loved ALL, and WELCOMED Everyone in YOUR presence, now heaven is rejoicing!
We will miss you, my friend!
Love, Allen and Kathy Sohn

Linda Barnum

April 2, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. My co-workers and I eat at Sambetti's frequently and have been on the receiving end of Paul's friendliness and generosity many times. I am also impressed by his work to benefit homeless animals. Rest in peace, Paul.

~Linda Barnum

Martin and Barb Fry, Sambettis pool team members

April 2, 2019

Paul was a great guy. He always had time to talk with you. Our hearts go out to members of his family. We know he will be missed.

Claradell Shedd

April 1, 2019

The halls of North High are diminished with Paul's passing. Prayers and thoughts to his family and friends. Paul's 1973 North High class page:
http://www.ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1973(2018.45).html

Claradell Shedd
Class of June, 1953

Dianne (DOTY) Bernholtz

April 1, 2019

I will miss seeing Paul's big smile was always so good to see him and get caught up with those we grew up with as kids.
No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss. Sharing in your sorrow. With love and friendship.

Always,
Dianne (DOTY) Bernholtz

Ron German

March 31, 2019

Paul gave his love and support to many and felt blessed for the support many gave to him. A common man, with uncommon qualities...we've lost a very special fella.

Linda Cooper - Milosevic

March 31, 2019

He was a great friend to me in middle school and high school - he will be missed a lot.

Denny Grill

March 31, 2019

I was one of the "Allied After Work Gang" that hogged the front window for many years at the 6th Ave. location, and several of us followed Paul when he moved. I still stop in occasionally for a bit of nostalgia, Paul always had a hearty welcome for me.

Charlie

March 31, 2019

It's been bad to loose a great friend and 1 of the bates park gang 52years plus my thoughts and prayers go out his family and his furry buddies yes played alot of games up there in our days.and I think.i can say it this way the bull crap corner in the corner of the bar where the story's got was told all true and no bull crap .am truly going to miss him ps I got him.in bull crap corner I told him he was my best man at my 1st marriage he was cussing me I bet him lol he went in the back and sat down looked at me and I'll be a s.o.b I was you had to be there to see it .love you pauly you was always my brother

Mike and Sherry Monscour

March 31, 2019

This is not goodbye-this is only until tomorrow.

We love you with all of hearts.

Mike and Sherry Monscour

Lisa and Roger Saltzman

March 31, 2019

Paul was a great guy! Roger spent a lot of time at Sambetti's when it was on 6th Ave and he worked 2 doors down at Oklee Graphics. Always had a smile on his face, laughing and enjoying life. May he rest in peace

Dario Lenarduzzi

March 31, 2019

Paul, You left us too soon brother. You are a great friend and like family too me. We had many fun times together. From putting new tile to putting carpet in the bar we had many laughs. I cry thinking I won't see your smiling face walk into the bar. I will never forget you. Dario Lenarduzzi

Family, I'm terribly sorry and feel for you all. I love all of you. We still will live on through Paul. I pray for all of you. I still can't believe it. Paul is a great guy and I cannot say one negative thing about him. Sue, Jr, Linda, Emily, you all have a ton of support. I'm here for anything you need. Table of knowledge just lost the smartest one at the table! I will never ever forget you. I can say I was truly blessed to know him for almost 30 years.

Sincerely,
Dario Lenarduzzi

Tedd Shirley

March 31, 2019

So sorry to wake up and see this. I frequented Sambettis and always had a great time with Paul. Thoughts and prayers to the family and may Paul RIP

Tom Leonetti

March 31, 2019

So sad to hear of Paul's passing. It's quite a shock. I played softball with Paul many years ago. He was a great teammate and an all around great guy with a fun sense of humor.
Rest in peace Paul.

Ed Schiller

March 30, 2019

My heart goes out to Paul's family. He was truly a friend to all he met and had a unique ability to make people feel special. He was a man of character treating people equally with his best regardless. I always felt like a friend rather than a customer and will remember the best. He kept loyal employees in his business that carry his spirit. May we all be blessed to carry on with his enthusiasm for life. He is truly missed but never forgotten.

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