Sam A DeJohn

Sal was born in Rochester, NY to Charles & Arlene DiGiovanni on April 21st, 1929. A family name change to DeJohn was made Jan. 29th, 1953. Sal attended school in Rochester NY, he enjoyed tap dancing in his youth and as recent as this year would occasionally break out a little tap.

He served in the US Army from 1950-52, stationed in Germany.

Upon his return to the US, demonstrating an early knack for business Sal co-owned a grocery and meat market in Rochester.

He married Sandra “Sandy” in Miami, FL in 1954, they enjoyed 60 years together until her passing on Easter 2014.

Construction soon became his calling receiving early awards for craftmanship in the metal lath construction for the Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church. The cyclical nature of the construction industry required commutes between Miami Beach and New York. Miami Beach was in its second boom giving Sal the opportunity to be included in major hotel constructions such as the Fontainebleau and Deauville at times working under the direction of Architect Morris Lapidus.

His inventive spirit resulted in the awarding of seven patents for products such as the Digiovanni Cigar Plug and a home improvement line marketed by Domes Décor.

Sal later went on to co-found GSD Contracting of Fort Lauderdale in 1980 with his sons until his retirement in 1992.

Around the age of 67, Sal found his second love, Golf.

A member of the Pine Island Ridge Country Club in Davie he became an avid and competitive golfer having won many tournaments and was particularly proud of his four Aces (holes-in-one) on that course.

Sal’s pastimes included playing the slot machines and horse racing, the annual quest for the Triple Crown being a favorite. An avid gardener, painter, he loved bird watching from his porch and enjoyed decorating for the holidays.

Sal, up until recently lived a healthy, energetic life, practicing healthy eating and exercise.

Sal is preceded in death by his wife Sandy and his sister Francis Bambino.

Sal is survived by his sons Gregory (Nancy), Guy (Debbie) and daughter Lauren; grandchildren: Camden (Athena), Juliana, Rachel, Jessica (Eric) Carter, Karina; great grandchildren: Ellie, Lilly, Coral, Nicholas and Hazel.

Nephew Richard (Connie) Bambino and family; Nieces Doneen and family, Charlene (Ray) Henry and family.

A visitation for Sam will be held Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens (Pyramid), 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317. A funeral service will occur Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317. A committal service will occur Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 2401 Davie Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317.

The DeJohn family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the palliative care team at Memorial West Dr. Rahmen, Dr. Samlal and staff. Rick Weber of the Sheridan House Ministries and the clergy who seemed to just appear when needed the most.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Sheridan House Ministries

https://sheridanhouse.kindful.com/