Fr. Samuel R Saprano

MANSFIELD — Father Samuel R. Saprano, died March 12, 2025, at the age of 81. Father Saprano, born in Mansfield, Ohio, is the son of the late Joseph and Tindara (Miragliotta) Saprano. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Tony “Jeep” Saprano. He is survived by his sister, Tinera (Mike) Keough; nieces, Leslie Keough and Regina (Kaitlin) Keough; nephew, Anthony (Julie) Keough; great-nieces, Carmen, Camilla, and Stella; a great-nephew, Vincenzo; and many cherished family and friends.

He attended St. Mary Grade School, Mansfield; St. Peter High School, Mansfield; St. Meinrad College, St. Meinrad, Indiana; Mount St. Mary’s, Cincinnati, and St. John Vianney Seminary, Bloomingdale.

On May 14, 1971, he was ordained to the priesthood at St. John Vianney Seminary by Bishop John King Mussio. Immediately after ordination, Father Saprano was assigned as a teacher at St. Joseph Central High School, Ironton, with residency at St. Lawrence O’Toole and St. Joseph Parish, Bridgeport.

His assignments included: an assistant pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Wintersville, and St. Mary Parish, St. Clairsville; an administrator, St. John the Baptist Parish, Miltonsburg, and Immaculate Conception Mission, Ozark in 1976; pastor, St. John the Baptist and St. Joseph Parish, Burkhart in 1981; St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Fulda, and St. Michael Parish, Carlisle, in 1992.

Father Saprano was pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, Powhatan Point and St. Mary Parish, Shadyside, from 2007-2018. He also served as moderator for Visitation Deanery Council of Catholic Woman and as a member of the diocesan Presbyteral Council. Father Saprano retired from active parish ministry on July 25, 2018.

Besides his life as a priest, Sam was deeply devoted to his family. He never missed a birthday—there were always cards with cash and phone calls filled with his joyful rendition of Happy Birthday. He was present for their milestones, baptizing all of his nieces and his nephew and attending their events whenever possible. No matter what was going on, he never failed to remind them, "God loves you."

Sam made it a priority to celebrate their achievements. He traveled to Marquette, Loyola, and the University of Dayton for their college graduations, proudly joining in the festivities. In 1999, he embarked on a family trip to Italy, ending in Sicily, where twelve of them shared precious time with relatives, creating lifelong memories. Sam was in his glory.

He will always be remembered for his joyful holiday arrivals, especially at Christmas. The family would rearrange cars just so he could park close to the door. It took several people to unload the vast amount of food he brought. The most anticipated dish—aside from the leg of lamb—was his baskets of homemade bread. When it was time for grace, Sam made sure to include prayers for family members who were no longer with them. And at some point in the evening, his unmistakable laugh would fill the room, sparking contagious laughter that will be deeply missed.

For the last six years, Sam lived with Tina and Mike in Dayton. Those who knew him were well aware of his "cantankerous" side—a word affectionately used by a priest friend, though family members may have chosen others. Yet, despite everything, Sam often expressed genuine gratitude for the love and care he received. And they knew he meant it.

Sam is now free from pain, reunited with Mom, Dad, Jeep, and his beloved Nana.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his parishioners and friends who stayed in touch—sending cards, calling regularly, and traveling to Dayton for visits. Their kindness and devotion helped him remain connected to the region he loved so dearly and where he spent the majority of his life.

Rest in peace, Sammy.

A funeral Mass for Father Saprano will be celebrated Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:30AM, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 60 S. Mulberry St., Mansfield, Ohio. A gathering will be held at the church one hour before the Mass. Fr. Bradley Greer will preside over the Mass, with Fr. Kishore Kottana as the concelebrant priest. He will be laid to rest at Mansfield Catholic Cemetery. Wappner Funeral Directors, Mansfield is honored to serve the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mansfield St. Peter’s School or can be directed to one of the many parishes he faithfully served throughout the years.