Samuel Matthew Telerico

Samuel Matthew Telerico
Our beloved Samuel Matthew Telerico, known in earlier years as "Chip", "Chip Sam", "Sammy" and "Sam", passed away from a tragic accidental fall on January, 15, 2026. He was 59 years old. Sam is survived by his parents, local residents, Samuel T. Telerico and Gail P Telerico; sisters, Robin E. (Curtis) McCool of Easton, MD and Susan M. Telerico of Easton, MD; a niece, Callie E. McCool of Washington, DC; and nephew, Captain Harrison D. McCool of Aberdeen, NC.
Throughout his life, Sam was surrounded by large and loving extended families. He spent most of his earlier years active in the Old Greenwich and Riverside communities, attending local schools, graduating with the Greenwich High School Class of 1984 as class president, where he also played soccer, tennis and participated in theatre productions. Summers were spent at Rocky Point Club in the swimming and sailing programs. Every summer, he attended Camp Becket in the Berkshires, first as a camper, then developing skills in leadership and service. Later, he participated in international camp trips to Sweden, Russia and France and, as a college senior, he led a group of younger campers to Africa, where the group helped build a local church under the leadership of the YMCA - America international program.
Sam graduated from Dartmouth College in 1988, where he majored in History. He was a member of the Bones Gate Fraternity, Dartmouth Chamber singers and lettered in volleyball. He made many life long friends while attending Dartmouth.
Upon graduation, Sam began his career in New York City, in the advertising and film production industry, working for Maysles Films, J. Walter Thomspon, Backer Spielvogel Bates Worldwide, Inc., among others. Later in years, guided by his passion for people and physical fitness, he became a Certified Master Trainer and found great fulfillment in providing fitness training with a special interest for older adults.
Sam will be remembered always for his bright spirit, his generous heart and his unwavering love for family, friends, faith and community.
Given his lifelong commitment and active participation in Christian faith, a memorial service will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 am at Church of St. Michael the Archangel, 469 North Street, Greenwich, CT 06830. The service will be streamed at https://www.stmichaelgreenwich.com .
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following: Camp Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA- https://bccymca.org , Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich- https://bgcg.org .
Visit www.leopgallaghergreenwich.com to leave an online condolence.