Samuel Stephen Sam DeFelice

DeFELICE, Samuel Stephen Sam DeFelice was born on January 29, 1923 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania and passed away March 5, 2008 in Culver City, just shy of his 63 anniversary. At eighteen he joined the Navy in early 1942 to fight in World War II in the Pacific Campaign. He was a "plankholder" on the USS Columbia CL-56, where he remained until his discharge. For its brave action in supporting the troop landings in the Philippines, the Columbia received a US Navy Commendation Medal. For his service in World War II, Sam was awarded the American Area Service ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two bronze stars, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with nine stars, and the Victory Medal for World War II. The Columbia limped back to San Pedro, CA after three kamikaze hits, and while the ship was being repaired, he met the love of his life Irene, and they were married April 6, 1945 before he returned to active duty. After discharge in October 1945, he settled in California with his new wife, and worked for Kirman Plumbing for 62 years, first as a plumber and later as a Vice President in the business. The shop was his life, and he continued to work until he was 84. Sam was active in St. Augustine's Catholic Church, where he was an usher at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass for over 50 years, served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus for many years, coached Little League, and belonged to AmVet and The American Legion in Culver City. They resided in Culver City for over 53 years. Sam is survived by his loving wife Irene of almost 63 years; his four children Linda Brown (Stanley) of Manhattan Beach, Nancy Kollenburn (Bill) of Canoga Park, Beverly (Dominic) Borra of Canoga Park, and Sammy (Sue) DeFelice of Culver City; his 12 grandchildren Lisa Johnson of Torrance, David (Deborah) Brown of Hoffman Estates, IL, Billy Kollenburn of Canoga Park, Stephen (Tara) Brown of St. Charles, IL, Christopher Kollenburn of Canoga Park, Angie (Jarid) Boyce of Canoga Park, Kimberly Kollenburn of Canoga Park, Michael Brown of Chicago, IL, Deborah Borra of Canoga Park, Heather, Jesse and Yvette DeFelice of Culver City; stepgrandchildren Brett and Kyle Cote of Culver City; great-grandchildren Justin Conway and Lydia Johnson of Torrance, Kaylin Kollenburn of Canoga Park, and Brooke and Breanna Brown of Hoffman Estates, IL; and brother Ralph of Pennsylvania, the last remaining of 11 siblings. Family was everything to Sam and Irene. A rosary will be held on Sunday, March 9, at 7 p.m., followed by a viewing at 9:30 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 10 at St. Augustine's Catholic Church in Culver City. Interment immediately follows at Holy Cross Cemetery, with a reception to be held in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the building fund at St. Augustine Catholic Church.