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Sam Cangelose Obituary
He leaves behind his beloved sons, Andrew Cangelose (Katie) and Phil Cangelose (Sarah), former wife Kay Cangelose and his treasured grandchildren, Ellie, Henry, Molly, and Tommy Cangelose, who brought him endless joy. Sam is also survived by his siblings Ann Gross, Jenny Fuentez (John), Daisy MacKenzie (Malcolm), Anthony Cangelose (Karen), and Andy Cangelose (Kim), and five nieces and four nephews with whom he shared a lifetime of memories and laughter.
A proud graduate of De La Salle High School in Kansas City, he spent his younger years at Hank's Sundries working alongside his father. Sam built a fulfilling career as a produce manager, dedicating twenty plus years to his work in the grocery industry. Beyond his professional life, he had a deep love for Notre Dame Football, classic Westerns, and the timeless charm of The Andy Griffith Show. His loyal cat, Meatball, was a constant companion, but nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his grandchildren. Sam's infectious humor and warm heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a gift for making people feel included and seen, always brightening a room with his jokes and playfulness.
Sam's wealth was his investment in his friends. He kept in contact throughout his life with friends he had since he was young. Sam took pride in being from the Northeast neighborhood of Kansas City and organized several annual Northeast picnics. He loved entertaining through his Facebook posts and his love of meatballs. He was the best friend, best cousin, and the very best brother anyone could ever hope for! He was so loved, and he will be so missed by all who knew him and all that are related to him.
Family and friends are invited to an open house to celebrate Sam's life on Saturday, January 25th, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Lee's Summit, 1625 NW O'Brien Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64081. This gathering will be a time to visit with family and friends and share memories, laughter, and the joy that Sam brought into the world.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Frank DeMarea
January 19, 2025
Rip Sam " the produce man". Prayers to family.
Pic is of our Freshman year football team at DeLaSalle.
Susie Hodson
January 17, 2025
Rest
Mike Ludwig
January 16, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You were a good classmate at DLS. All of us Ludwigs
(4) will miss you. Our condolences to your family.
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Sam Armilio
January 15, 2025
Sammy snuck me candy from his dad's store even when he had just met me! It was love at first sight. Lol
Frank J. Ferrara
January 15, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Robin Marra-Postlewait
January 14, 2025
I have many memories of Sam and his extended family. I share cousins with them. The Scavuzzos. Sam was on the mom´s side of the family. I was from the dad´s side of the family. Carl and Angie. My Uncle and Aunt! Every Sunday I spent hours at their house visiting, eating meatballs, laughing til your cheeks hurt! So many times I was there and so were several members of the Cangelose family, Sam included. Those are the best memories I have and I keep them tight to me because those were very happy times! Family was always the best. So much love and laughter! Enough to share with all who showed up to hang out and visit. Sam will be missed for sure. A bright light has been extinguished for now! God bless you Sammy! RIP
Joe Barfoot
January 14, 2025
The Cangelose family was like a 2nd family to me, living next door to each other as well as working at Hank´s store throughout my childhood. Mrs. Cangelose would bring home made pizza to the store on Saturday night. My sister Janet and I would invite ourselves over for Sunday pasta. Mrs. Cangelose introduced garlic to my mother! Sam was such a big part of that world. We logged a lot of ours together between the neighborhood and the store. Great memories! Thinking of all of his siblings and extended family today.
Joe Barfoot
John Armilio
January 14, 2025
To Sam's family, I am sorry for your loss. I will always remember meeting Sam when my family moved into the neighborhood my 8th grade year at Holy trinity. We went on to DeLaSalle together. I would see him over the years and talk about the good old days. Sam was one of the good guys and I will miss him.
Orazio
January 14, 2025
From grade school through his retirement, Sam and I shared many similarities, from our love of meatballs and love of family to our strong beliefs PERIOD. See you on the other side! Rip
Dawn Nesbitt
January 14, 2025
My encounters with Sam were brief and set in a professional office where I worked. Though the minute he walked in there was such a feeling of warmth and a grand overwhelming desire to know this man. His smile took you over , his laugh was infectious and that look of mischievousness in his eyes just drew you into wanting to know more of him. That spirit, his spirit was so big and took in all who were around him. I am better to have met him, laughed with him, and wish I´d have gotten to know him more. May God help his family and friends through this with His love and give all peace in their hearts, full of wonderful memories and love with laughter. Rest in peace Sam.
Sam armilio
January 13, 2025
Way too early Sammy for you to go. Remembering you and Hank many days growing up around the neighborhood. Makes me miss all the good times had when we didn't need cars or money. Just friends. May your family survive this !
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