Born and raised in New Britain, he was the son of Vincenzo and Lucia (Grasso) Rio. He served as a Staff Sgt. in the Army during World War II and received the Purple Heart. Sam enjoyed his family, his pets, the Red Sox, going to the casino, and horse racing.
He was the widower of Phoebe (Vicky) Rio. He was predeceased by siblings, Sophie Sequenzia, Dominic, Louis, and James Rio. He is survived by his children Linda Newton, Robert Rio, Ronald Rio, and Beverly and her husband Greg Kucharski. He also leaves three granddaughters Leigh Pechillo, Tricia Newton, and Christina Rio, as well as 5 great-grandchildren - Stephanie, Stephen, and Victoria DiChello and Alexandra and Robert Pechillo and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 8:00 AM as the New Britain Memorial – Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave. New Britain, followed by the funeral liturgy at 9:00 AM at St. Ann Church, 101North St. New Britain. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Garden Mausoleum .Calling hours will be Today, Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.newbritainsagarino.com.
