Samuel DeFazio

Samuel "Sammy" DeFazio, lifelong resident of Staten Island, passed away at his home on May 14th, 2023. He grew up on Corson Avenue in New Brighton and attended McKee High School before enlisting in The United States Marine Corps in 1957. He underwent 12 weeks of basic training in Parris Island, South Carolina, and continued on to Camp LeJeune in North Carolina, where he underwent an additional 4 weeks advanced combat training.
His tour of duty led him to Okinawa where he was credited along with one other Marine to be the first to step up to donate blood to Mrs. Yeko Hamada, who had suffered a stillbirth and was in critical condition. Her doctor commended the Marines in a letter to their commanding officer, crediting them for saving her life.
After his discharge from the Military, Sam worked for the Department of Sanitation, retiring in 1984. He was an avid sports fan, and spent many years coaching children and young adults from T-ball, Little League, adult baseball and basketball. He received awards for his dedicated service to the children of the Sacred Heart Youth Activities Council and The Parish Youth Program at the CYO here on Staten Island. He devoted his life to children, even becoming a foster grandparent in his later years through The New York Foundling.
He is preceded in death by his sister, his brother Ciro. His Father Vincent DeFazio, a stepson Luis Vazquez and many beloved brother and sister in laws, nieces and nephews. Sammy never met a person he didn't love as friend and family. He was a proud member of The Marine Corps League Detachment #246 and he never wavered in his values of God, Country, and Family.
He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Faythe (Burns) DeFazio, two sons, Steven and Keith (Deborah Milo), 2 daughters Lisa Cortopassi, and Samantha DeFazio, a brother John (Dianne Kennedy), daughter in law Rose Vazquez, many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a whole host of "adopted" family.
Samuel's Mass will be held on Friday, June 23rd at Sacred Heart Church at 981 Castleton Avenue at 11 A.M. Burial of ashes will be held at a future date.