Samuel George Cerone Jr.

Samuel George Cerone, Jr.
January 13, 1944 ~ February 2, 2024
Samuel G. Cerone, Jr. passed away on February 2, 2024, in his home, surrounded by his devoted family. He was 80.
Born January 13, 1944, Sam was the son of the late Samuel G. Cerone, Sr. and Laura Santoro Cerone, and was pre-deceased by his sister, Shirley Cerone Riley and her husband, Tom, and brother, Anthony Cerone. He was also pre-deceased by his mother-in-law, Grace Schirmer, and brother-in-law, Albert DeLessio.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn P. Minckler Cerone; his daughter, Laura; his son, Sam, and daughter-in-law, Annie; his son, Joe, and daughter-in-law, Angela; his son James, and daughter-in-law, Cindy; his grandchildren: Madeleine, Sam, Joseph, Christopher, and Gianna; his sister-in-law, Mary DeLessio; his sister- and brother-in-law, Susan and Aldo Strano; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind two dear friends, who were as close as brothers to him: Frank Ceriello and Joe Crisci.
Sam was a lifelong resident of Newburgh, NY. He graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1962, and went on to achieve his Associate's Degree at Dutchess County Community College. He worked for IBM at the East Fishkill plant until his retirement in 1997. Upon retiring, Sam pursued his lifelong dream of running a restaurant: he opened Sammy C's in the Town of Newburgh. After retiring from that pursuit in 2008, he continued to keep busy by working as a school bus driver.
Sam was an avid sportsman. He hunted, fished, and played golf throughout his lifetime. He was a member of Bethlehem Rod and Gun Club. He was also an active member of his community: following his father's passing, Sam was appointed to the Newburgh City Council, and ran for another term to carry on his father's vision. Sam was an assistant coach for his sons' Little League team. He volunteered his culinary talent for school functions when his children attended St Joseph's Elementary School in New Windsor. He was a member of the Elks Lodge. Sam also enjoyed playing cards at The Pastime Club; throwing darts, bowling, and playing softball in different leagues; and he frequently could be found at OTB, just making a quick bet.
Gruff on the exterior, Sam was generous and compassionate in quiet but meaningful ways. If he said he'd do it for you, it got done - and that's that. He leaves behind several lifelong friends who can attest to his kindness, his reliability, his riotous sense of humor, and his love of the good things in life – good food, good friends, good fun. His life could be summed up with the motto: Live, laugh, and love.
Most of all, Sam loved his family. He was married to Kathy for 58 years, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. He was proud of his kids, enjoyed his time with his grandchildren, and was known to slip food to his grand-pup, Lyla. He leaves us all a great example of how to live and how to love.
The Cerone family would like to thank all the medical professionals who cared for Sam during his long illness.
Visiting hours will be on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Brooks Funeral Home, from 3 pm to 7 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Church in Newburgh on February 9, 2024, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the Cerone family encourages well-wishers to make a donation to Hudson Valley Hospice (hvhospice.org) in Sam's memory. And when you find yourself thinking of Sam, go put $2 on 1-1-3, boxed. You never know - you might get lucky.