Samuel J. "Sam" Vitanza

Samuel J. "Sam" Vitanza, age 93, of Mentor formerly of Willoughby, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 12, 1933, to the late Sam and Nancy (née Bindo) Vitanza, Sam lived a long, full life defined by family devotion, service to his country, and a wonderful sense of humor. At the very center of Sam's world was his beloved wife, Dorothy "Dotty" Vitanza (née Urban). The two met working together at Leece-Neville Co. Together, they shared an extraordinary 69 years of marriage, building a legacy of love, laughter, and strong family ties that will carry on through generations. A proud patriot, Sam honorably served his country as a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, he established a long and successful career, eventually retiring from Spence Tech. Sam was a man of many simple joys. He loved golfing, testing his luck with a bit of gambling, and enjoying a lively game of bingo. His favorite shared story was winning $200,000 in the Let It Ride Tournament in Las Vegas. More than anything, he was a man with a servant's heart who loved helping others. He was known as the ultimate neighborhood handyman, always ready to fix absolutely anything for anyone who asked. Of course, those who knew him best knew that his legendary "specialty tools" of choice were always a roll of duct tape and a tube of super glue-and he could work wonders with both. Sam is survived by his devoted wife, Dotty; his loving daughters, Tammy (Robert) Baker, Cindy Sedivy (John Starkowicz), and Tina (James) Sullivan; his cherished grandchildren, Amanda Ciero, Rocky Ciero, Nic (Hanna) Rocazella, Sam (Gillian) Rocazella, and Skylar Sullivan; and his great-grandchildren, Shyanne, Aniyah, Xzavier, and Jerimiah. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Connie and Joe, and his beloved great-grandson, Quincy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 9:30 AM at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd, Mentor, OH 44060. Following the Mass, Sam will be laid to rest with military honors at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland. Sam's steady love, gentle guidance, and trademark humor will be missed tremendously by all who were blessed to share in his 93 years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Geauga County Dog Warden, 12513 Merritt Rd, Chardon, OH 44024 or Suncrest Hospice, 6100 Rockside Woods Blvd N Suite 240, Independence, OH 44131.

Samuel J. "Sam" Vitanza

March 12, 1933 - May 26, 2026

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