Sam J. Zanghi

Serafino Giovanni Zanghi (Sam J. Zanghi), most fondly known as “Mr. Sam”, died on December 3rd at the age of 95. His final days were spent in the comfort of his home in Mobile, Alabama, under the care of family and many cherished nurses and sitters.

He is survived by four children, Lenny Zanghi, Lisa Zanghi, Laurie Manning (Greg), Lynnette Brown (Rusty), three grandchildren, Mia Carter (Troy), John Paul Manning (Hayley), Isabella Brown, and four great grandchildren, Kynleigh Carter, Wyatt Carter, Lucy Carter, and Greyson Manning, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by Giuseppe Zanghi (father), Antonina Zanghi (mother), Cruci Printz (sister), Russell Zanghi (brother), Anthony Zanghi (brother), and his loving wife, Elaine Zanghi.

Born on March 12, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, Sam became a naval photographer who found his Southern Belle while in port in Mobile during Mardi Gras. After marriage, he pursued a career in cosmetology while living in Chicago, later moving his wife back south, where they called Mobile home for the rest of their lives. The two found the perfect property to proudly open one of Mobile’s first hair salons, naming it Mr. Sam’s. In his spare time, Sam incorporated his love for jewelry into the salon. He was a people person, and “talking jewelry” with customers, family, and friends was a highlight of his day after retiring from styling hair. Customers recall always being greeted with a smile.

Sam lived a selfless life, ultimately accomplishing his greatest goal: leaving a stable livelihood for his children. He will truly be missed, but “Mr. Sam” will live on forever in the hearts of many.

A memorial service will be hosted on December 15th at 3:00 pm at Radney Funeral Home (3155 Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 36606). In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to The Veterans or Holy Family Church.