Samuel Steven Elia

Samuel Steven Elia obituary, Burr Ridge Il, IL

Samuel Steven Elia

Samuel Elia Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 13, 2023.
It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel Elia , announces his passing on November 1, 2023. Sam was born in Hinsdale on February 28, 1952 and was a life-long resident of Burr Ridge.

Sam was the proud owner of Elia Sealcoating, a local business that he built and loved. He enjoyed working with his employees and customers, many of whom became his friends. Everyone liked Sam, he was kindhearted, funny and talented. Sam loved to play the guitar, write songs and sing,...and yes, he was good. He was a huge Bears fan, being a season ticket holder for many years. He was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast, his Harley Davidson was always polished and ready for a weekend ride. A more recent love was that for his two dogs,Toby and Augie, who brought a new joy to his life. Sam will be remembered by all those who knew him as a good man, a man to be remembered.

He was preceded in death by his parents Normand and Dorothy Elia of Hinsdale. He will be lovingly remembered by his partner Joan Kelly, his brothers Daniel Elia, Mark Elia (Lisa), David Elia, his sister Judith Elia, Joan's sons, Carlo and Angelo and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sam's Celebration of Life will be held at The Lodge at Katherine Legge Memorial Park located at 5901 S. County Line Road, Hinsdale, on Monday, November 20th from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Interment will follow at 2:00 P.M.at the Clarendon Hills Cemetery, 6900 Cass Avenue, Darien

Donations in Sam's memory may be made to the Hinsdale Humane Society.

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

Sign Samuel Elia's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 20, 2023

Doug Stevenson posted to the memorial.

November 18, 2023

Cheryl Townsend posted to the memorial.

November 14, 2023

Justin Kraft posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Doug Stevenson

November 20, 2023

Sam and I had art class together in high school my sophomore year. Sam was inclined to arrive to class late. (Maybe he worked mornings helping his dad?) Anyway, Mark Kregg and I would greet his arrival by singing -- "Sam Elia! Sam Elia! Sam Elia!" -- think 'Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel's Messiah. Sam always blushed, smiled, and gently shook his head. What a warm heart and generous spirit. We reconnected on Facebook about 7 years back, and he has been very supportive of me and my writing, driving miles to see me perform and just last May drove all the way to the northwest suburbs to take me to lunch. A better, sweeter friend I have never had. To Joan, who Sam spoke of glowing, and Sam's brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews, I feel your heartache. And yet, just in this moment I smiled remembering some of the texts I sent Sam as he sat patiently at Soldier Field watching his very mercurial and unpredictable Chicago Bears play. (I had a standing invitation to join him there.) And, unlike so many of us, he never complained. He was such a sweet soul, with the sensitive heart of the artist he was -- He shared his music with me. It is great and he was humbly proud of it. My thoughts are will all of Sam's loved ones today gathered at Katherine Legge.

Cheryl Townsend

November 18, 2023

RIP My dear friend. Will forever be in my heart.

Justin Kraft

November 14, 2023

He was a good guy!

Cyndi Kraft

November 14, 2023

Meeting Sam at a convention in Chicago in 1969. We soon became good friends and he drove to Wis. every weekend to play his guitar and sing "Bridge Over Troubled Waters for my mother. In 1970 he moved me to Evanston Il., where I began my career in medicine. We have always been best buddies right to the end. Will miss you Sam!
RIP

Cyndi Kraft

November 14, 2023

Sam, I always referred to you as my big Brother, you were always there for me, as I was for you. Rest in eternal peace. ♥CK

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Sign Samuel Elia's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 20, 2023

Doug Stevenson posted to the memorial.

November 18, 2023

Cheryl Townsend posted to the memorial.

November 14, 2023

Justin Kraft posted to the memorial.