Samuel J. Cipolla, 101 ½, beloved husband of the late Mary "Joan" (Frey) Cipolla, died peacefully on November 29, 2019 at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Born May 30, 1918, Sam was the son of the late Emilio and Lucia (Saitta) Cipolla. He was a lifelong East Hartford resident. Sam proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. After his discharge from military service, Sam and his brother Joe operated the Sunny Side Tavern on Main Street, before serving the Town of East Hartford as a firefighter from 1949-1982. Prior to his death, he was the oldest living firefighter in East Hartford history, and a life member of the Volunteer 3 Hose Company. Among his many part-time jobs, Sam worked for many years as a funeral assistant and a hearse driver for the Newkirk and Whitney Funeral Home. Sam was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and UConn Women's Basketball team. He had a passion for gardening and was well-known to share his produce with friends. He loved outings to his favorite restaurant, the Manchester Grill. In addition to his wife and parents, Sam was predeceased by four brothers Anthony, Peter, Joseph, and Charles Cipolla; five sisters, Jenny Macchi, Dora Vetrano, Lillian Tuzzolino, Phyllis De Leo and Winifred Terragna. He is survived by his son Robert and his wife Dorothy Cipolla, a daughter Lucille Wall; four grandchildren Teri and her husband Billy Gilnack, Tracy Wall, Lorin and her husband Francis Dunphy, and Robert Cipolla; five great-grandchildren William, Samantha, Taylor Gilnack, Quinn and Whitney Dunphy. A sister in-law Catherine Frey. He had two god-children Nancy DiPietro and William Frey; many nieces, nephews, and friends. The family expresses special thanks to Diane Martin, Carol Michaud (caregivers), Patty Granell, Patty Schwab, Donna Hayward, Jerry Gregorie, Tom Wall and Susan Battjes. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 3-7pm at the Newkirk and Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the St. Rose Church of the North American Martyrs Parish, 33 Church Street, East Hartford, CT. (Please go directly to church). Burial with full Military Honors will follow in Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford, CT. Memorial contributions may be made in Samuel Cipolla's name to the East Hartford Fire Department, 31 School Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. To leave online condolences, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com
