Salvatore F. "Sam" Croce

Dateline: Glenville

Salvatore "Sam" Croce, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on October 3, 2025, at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs, NY, after a valiant battle with lung cancer. Born on April 10, 1952, the son of the late Louis Croce and Nancy Connery in Schenectady, NY, Sam's life was marked by his loving nature, kindness, sense of humor, and courage.

Sam grew up in Schenectady, where he attended Linton High School, graduating in 1970. He was a proud member of the 1969 undefeated basketball team, a feat that later led to the team's induction into the Hall of Fame. His passion for education took him to Hudson Valley Community College and then to SUNY Brockport, where he furthered his studies and met the love of his life Doreen Margiotta. In 1975, Sam married Doreen, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. Their union was blessed with twins Salvatore "Dallas" Croce and Shannon Howe, who, along with her husband Shaun and their daughters Ava and Lea, brought immense joy to Sam's life. He was affectionately known as Nono to his granddaughters, "the girls", a title he wore with pride and joy.

Sam's professional life was marked by dedication and excellence. He retired from the NYS Office of Courts as a Supervisor of Computer Systems after nearly 30 years of service in 2016. Prior to that Sam worked at General Electric. His work ethic and commitment to his career were an inspiration to many, especially his daughter who followed his footsteps into her own technical career in software.

An avid golfer, he was a member of the Ballston Spa Country Club, where he enjoyed many rounds with friends and family. Even during his illness, Sam would pitch and putt at the golf course and found joy just being there with his many friends. Sam was also a sports enthusiast, often found cheering on his favorite teams especially his beloved Dallas Cowboys whom he named his son after. His vegetable garden was a source of pride and joy, and his trips to the beach, especially family vacations to the Jersey Shore and vacations with his college friends to Cape Cod, were cherished moments. Sam's love for cars, particularly his 1979 stingray corvette, was well-known, as was his enjoyment of music, which was a constant in his life.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Doreen Croce; his daughter, Shannon Howe (Shaun); his granddaughters Ava Rae and Lea Rose Howe; his brother, Louis Croce Jr. (Brigette); his brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, Kristine Croce, Douglas (Linda) Margiotta, Carol (Garrett) King, Larry (Cheryl) Margiotta, Linda (Juan) Leibel, Michael Margiotta and ten nieces and nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his son, Salvatore "Dallas" Croce; his brother, Richard "Dicky" Croce; and his sister, Judith DeCrosta (Al).

A calling period will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sam's name may be made to the American Lung Association (https://www.lung.org/).