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1924 - 2006

Sam Gnatovich

1924 - 2006

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1924

DIED

2006

Sam Gnatovich Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 21, 2006.

Sam Gnatovich, 81, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2006, at his home.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2006, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Ave., Moline. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Moline Memorial Park and Mausoleum with military honors conducted by Moline American Legion Post #246. Memorials may be made to Moline Little League, American Cancer Society or the Kidney Foundation.
Sam was born August 15, 1924, in East Moline, to Nick and Mary (Perkovich) Gnatovich.
Sam worked in the Tri-City Food Store, East Moline. He opened his own supermarket on 23rd Avenue, Moline. He expanded into the bowling and entertainment industry in 1959. Sam was very supportive for over 45 years of local, regional, and national muscians.
Sam served in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946 in the South Pacific as a Technical Sergeant.
Sam was very involved with the youth of the Quad Cities. He coached two grade school football teams, the Babe Ruth baseball league and the Moline Little League. He opened his bowling alleys to adults and children with special needs at reduced rates and had programs for both young and old in bowling leagues with reduced rates. Sam also enjoyed golfing, baseball, and basketball and he especially enjoyed playing his harmonica.
Survivors include daughters, Sandra Gnatovich and Susan Gnatovich; beloved companion, Debbie Meyer; and brothers, George Gnatovich and John Gnatovich. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Online condolences may be expressed to Sam's family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahlmortuary.com.

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Recent Activity

March 24, 2006

Frank Loll posted to the memorial.

March 23, 2006

Kathy & Jim Monnig posted to the memorial.

March 23, 2006

Dick Pobanz posted to the memorial.

13 Entries

Frank Loll

March 24, 2006

A PERSON WHO WAS A FRIEND AND SPECIAL PERSON TO ME AS I WAS GROWING UP IN THE QUAD-CITIES. YOU WILL BE MISSED. SYMPATHY TO FAMILY IN THIS TIME.

Kathy & Jim Monnig

March 23, 2006

Thinking of the family at this difficult time.

Everyone knew Sam. He had such a presence about him.

This world will miss him.

Dick Pobanz

March 23, 2006

Many fond memories come to mind, but the one I'll always remember was when I went to Chicago with Sam to play in the Serbian softball trnmt. He introduced me as Nick and he was so proud. He ended up catching me as everyone else was afraid to. Evelyn & I express our heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Martin VandeVoort

March 22, 2006

I worked for Sam at Tri-City Pack, he was a good man. He will be missed.

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Sherry Norman

March 21, 2006

Sam was like a father to me... He used to kid Susan and Sandy that he had a 3rd dauther. That was such a compliment. I had such a wondwerful relationship with his wonderful daughers Susan and Sandy. My heart felt condolences to both of them. I would hope they know how very much I think of them and their dad, I think they know.

Susan and I have great minds, and Sandy and I have great dance moves. lol Sam and Susan have the brains, Sandy and I have the talent. Sam knew that! It was so much fun being a family of the Gnatovich's. They made you feel like family all the time.

Heather Matesic

March 21, 2006

Dear Sandy and Sue:

I am very sorry to hear about your Father passing away. I know everyone misses hearing him play Happy Birthday on the Harmonica. My sincerest condolences to you both

Michael J. Dergo III

March 21, 2006

With fond memories of the man and sincere condolence to the family and loved ones.

RUBEN SIERRA

March 21, 2006

TO SUSAN AND SANDY: I WOULD LIKE TO SEND YOU OUR CONDOLENCES. SAM STRIVED FOR THE BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT HERE IN THE QUAD CITIES FOR MANY YEARS. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM, ALONG WITH HIS STORIES AND HIS HARMONICA. KEEP UP THE TRADITION YOUR DAD STARTED, HE IS SO PROUD AND WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS, SOULS AND OUR MUSIC. OUR DEEPEST SIMPATHY, THE SMOOTH GROOVE BAND OF THE QUAD CITIES

Bill Cant

March 21, 2006

I have fond memories of Sam, even though I haven't seen him in many years. I worked for him at Tri City market and played against him in softball. He was a great athlete and an even finer person.

Marlin Beckey

March 21, 2006

Sorry to hear of Sam's passing. Always enjoyed my visits in Spiros Restaurant (I believe it was called the Stage Stop) and visit with Sam while he read the QC Times. We had many long talks and a lot of political discussions. We didn't agree all the time but that always made it interesting. He was always going to run for Mayor(he would have been a good one). Too bad he didn't. He would have won.

Please accept my condolensces. He was a good and loyal friend.

Marlin Beckey

Melony Wisecup

March 21, 2006

Sam was a Quad Cities legend. I can't think of anyone that did not know him. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed working for him. My deepest sympathy.

Brent Cone

March 21, 2006

Sorry for your loss, sam was a great guy, he will me missed by a lot of people in the Q.C.A.

Brent Cone

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