Sam Tasho

Sotir "Sam" Tasho passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, just four months shy of his 100th birthday. He was surrounded by family.

Sam was the beloved husband of 76 years to Helen "Darling" Tasho, of Mansfield, Massachusetts; and a devoted father to the late Valerie Callahan (Norbert), Lorraine Chalas (Bruce), and Steven Tasho (Barbara Booth). He is survived by his four grandchildren, Nicole Chalas Maog (Victor), Gregory Chalas (Amanda), Stephanie Busa (Andrew) and Steven R. Tasho.

Sam leaves behind six great-grandchildren, Samuel, who was named for him, Gracelyn, Margaret, Gabriel, George, and Valentino, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Peter and Vasiliqui Tasho.

Sam was the son of Albanian immigrants and grew up in Somerville through the Great Depression. As a young man, Sam was a gifted athlete, playing varsity hockey and baseball at Brockton High School and competing with the Easton Huskies, a premier amateur baseball team on the South Shore. At just 16 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II, a chapter he carried with quiet dignity. Later in life, he was formally awarded an honorary high school diploma from Brockton High School.

In 1950, Sam and Helen married and together they built a life grounded in steadfast commitment and family. They settled in Brockton and later in North Easton, where Sam and his late brother Nick jointly ran the Tropical Banana Company, a longtime produce distribution business known especially for its bananas. That work became a quiet source of family pride, remembered today in small, affectionate ways - from banana ornaments to needlepoint pillows and hand-painted bowls - woven into the homes of his wife, children and grandchildren.

A man of few words and a deeply generous spirit, Sam will be remembered for bringing his family together for every occasion, large or small. Some of the most treasured memories include summers at Nantasket Beach, time on Cape Cod, and family trips to Walt Disney World.

He was an avid golfer and member of Thorny Lea Golf Club since 1946. He and Helen were respected figures at the Club, where rounds of family members and friends would routinely stop by their table at meals to greet them. Sam shot his age many times in his eighties and won numerous titles with his son. He was also a proud member of the American Seniors Golf Association.

Sam was always quick with a joke, charming, and precise. Even at 99, Sam recalled the names of childhood friends, the details of travels shared with Helen, the whereabouts of his grandchildren, and when the Red Sox were likely to win. He observed closely, remembered carefully, and gave generously of his time and attention.

Above all, Sam will be remembered for his constancy, his kindness, and the quiet way he made others feel welcomed. His life was long, healthy, full and well-lived.

Visiting hours will be held at Russell Pica Funeral Home (165 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA) on Saturday, January 24th from 9 -10:30am, immediately followed by a funeral service. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Service concludes with private burial.