Sunday, March 14, 2010

Samuel F. 'Sam' Pulice

Samuel F. “Sam” Pulice, 83, passed away surrounded by his loving family at Froedtert Memorial Hospital, Milwaukee, on Sunday March 14, 2010, after a long and courageous 30-day battle to overcome complications following surgery. Sam was born in Racine on September 19, 1926, the son of Frank and Francis (nee: Sesso) Pulice.

He was a graduate of William Horlick High School, “Class of 1945.” Sam was united in marriage to Rose Marie Litrenta at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Racine, on November 12, 1949.

He served in the United States Army during World War II from 1944 until 1947, stationed in the Philippines and Korea. Sam was a faithful member of Roma Lodge for 63 years, from 1947 until 2010, serving as president from 1967-1968 and 1995-1996. In 1969 he was honored, by receiving the Order of Sons of Italy “Man of the Year Award.”

Sam was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years, and was involved in the men’s choir, along with serving as church usher.

He was a dedicated employee of Western Publishing Company for 50 years, retiring in 1993 as General Foreman. Sam was a past president of Western Foreman’s Club. He also served as chairman of Western’s Needy Family Program, and was the recipient of the “Western Publishing Company President’s Award” for outstanding community volunteer service in 1992.

Sam and Rose Marie spent many winters in their Punta Gorda, Florida, home entertaining family and friends from Florida and Wisconsin. He was always up for a good game of bocce or golf in Racine or Florida. Sam was most affectionately known by his family as “The Mayor” and he affectionately referred to his girls as “His Dollies.”

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Rose Marie; beloved children, Barbara (Andy) Solomon of Racine, Frank (Sandra) Pulice of Fort Meyers, FL., Patricia (Tom) Stindle, Thomas (Debbie) Pulice and Gina (Tad) Christensen, all of Racine. He is also survived by grandchildren, Scott (Jenny) Solomon of Evanston, IL, Frank Pulice of Birmingham, AL, and Micaela and Kendal Christensen of Racine. Sam is further survived by one sister, Rose (Alex) Bagdasarian of Racine; one brother-in-law, Rocco Litrenta; one sister-in-law, Loretta Parise; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends in Racine, Kenosha and Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Carmella; one brother, Guy; and one brother-in-law, Dominick Parise, on June 17, 2009.

Mass of Christian burial honoring and celebrating Sam’s life will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ronald Crewe presiding, and Rev. John Pulice and Rev. Jeff Thielen concelebrating. Sam will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32, with full military honors.

Visitation will be held at Sturino funeral home on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Roma Lodge Service at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a visitation at church on Thursday, before services from 9 a.m. until 10:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, American Heart Assoc., 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 902. Pewaukee, WI 53072 have been suggested by the Pulice family.

The Pulice Family would like to extend a very special thank you to Froedtert Cardiac ICU and 3rd Floor Northwest doctors, nurses and entire staff for the loving care given to Sam.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine 262 632-4479

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Dear Ro, Barb,Frank, Patti,Tom and Gina,
I am so saddened by the death of Sam. He was so good to me.He was a great father in law. I will not forget his kindness. My prayers are with you that God may give you the strength to endure the difficult days ahead.
Love, Lisa