Sam S. Scudera, 96, Watertown

WATERTOWN, NY — Sam S. Scudera, 96, formerly of Wealtha Avenue, passed away Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, at Samaritan Keep Home, where he had been a resident for 10 months.

Mr. Scudera was born Oct. 8, 1922, in Watertown, the son of Andrew and Francesca Malatino Scudera and was a former communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.  He attended local schools and in 1939, received a certificate of achievement for Woodworking from the Boys Club of Boston.

Sam served in the United States Army, serving in the Atlantic Theater and was honorably discharged on February 5, 1946.

Sam worked for G.W. White & Sons Lumbar Co. for many years as a cabinet maker and professional wood carver and woodworking was his passion.

Mr. Scudera was known for his many achievements, one being the repair of a stained glass window frame measuring 12 by 25 feet of Holy Family Church in May of 1977. The window was made in Italy and was exhibited at the World’s Fair in Chicago 1871. Sam repaired 90 percent of the window by hand, using chisels, jackknives and other similar small hand tools, developing a special tool to repair the window. Sam is also known for his work on the Historical Building and the Black River Valley Club repairing the ram horns on top of the building.

Sam was an avid hunter, hunting with his son Charlie up until age 91. He also loved fishing, gardening and enjoying his camp in Harrisville, N.Y.

On May 8, 1946, he married Rosealyn LaParr in Burr’s Mills, NY, now known as Burrville, N.Y. Sam and Rosealyn celebrated their 73 wedding anniversary on May 8, 2019.

Surviving besides his wife are his children, Frances Pitcher, Watertown, Charlie (Marsha) Scudera, Watertown, Rosemary (Lonnie) Miller, Adams, Sam (Mary) Scudera, Clayton, Anne (Gary) Compo, Copenhagen; 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Three brothers, Joe, Bennie, Carmen and a sister, Nancy, all died before him.

A grave side service will be held at the convenience of the immediate family.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY.

Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.