Samuel Anthony Speligene Jr. passed away on May 11.2024 at the age of 84 at his home surrounded by his family. He has joined his late wife, Paula Ficklin Speligene, in their heavenly home. Sam was born on February 4, 1940 in Brittany, Louisiana to Sam Speligene Sr. and Mary Bruno Speligene Lucido. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Industrial Arts. He worked at Ormet and then in 1973 went to work for Neese Industries. In 1987 he was named the president of Neese and served in that role until his retirement in 1995. Sam’s personality and love of people led him to serve his community in multiple roles after his retirement. He served as a UCB Bank board member, a juvenile probation officer and was especially proud and loved his role and the people he worked with as a bailiff at the Ascension Parish courthouse. His bailiff job brought him much joy and he continued to work in that role until six weeks prior to his passing. In his earlier years, he was also actively involved with Junior Achievement, the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association and Gonzales Rotary Club, having served as president in 1988. Sam enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids at his fishing camps and hunting with his son, Darren and brother, Chris in Oklahoma. Sam was a lifelong sports enthusiast fondly recalling his time as a Gonzales High School running back and boxing with the Gonzales Boxing Club. In his later years he loved birdwatching and proudly growing his vegetable garden. His vegetable gardens were so productive that he was able to “give vegetables to people he didn’t even like”. Everyone who knew him appreciated his love of laughter and his sense of humor. He was always happy to share a funny story or joke to anyone willing to listen. Sam was preceded in death by wife Paula Ficklin Speligene; brother, Joe Speligene; and sister, Mary Ann Wolff. Sam is survived by his brother, Chris Speligene; sister, Annette West; and children, Darren (Monica) Speligene and Paige (Kevin) Babin. Sam and Paula’s greatest joy were their eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Babin Campbell (Collier), Devin Speligene (Jacee), Katherine Claire Babin, Marina Speligene (Alex Merkle), Caroline Babin, Alexander Reid Babin, Michaela Speligene and Melisse Speligene. Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Rosary Church in St. Amant on Monday May 20, 2024 at 12:00pm. Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation beginning at 9am until Mass. The interment will follow immediately at Hope Haven Garden of Memory. Pallbearers will be Devin Speligene, Reid Babin, Ronnie Forsyth, Denny Phillips, Brian Speligene and James “Chilli” Russo. The family would like to give a special thanks to Audubon Hospice, Nurse Brittani, and caregivers Paulette and Alima.
