Samuel Dominic Puglisi

Samuel Dominic “Sam” Puglisi, 59, passed away quietly in his Cooper City home on April 5, 2021. Sam is survived by his children Anthony “Tony” Puglisi and Samantha “Sammi” Puglisi (fiancé David Castorena); and his younger brother Angelo Victor Puglisi (Alicia DaRin Puglisi).  Sam was preceded in death by his older brother Rick Charles Puglisi (Audrey Puglisi). He leaves behind a large and loving family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and “grand” nieces and nephews. Born in Pittsburgh, PA to Salvatore “Sam” Puglisi and Elsie Jane Mangieri, Sam’s Pittsburgh family celebrated their Italian heritage and embraced the cultural legacy of family above all – a tradition of closeness the family maintains with summertime gatherings of extended family at Sam’s grandmother’s Pittsburgh home.

Long after moving to Miami in 1969, Sam and his family continued their affinity for all things Pittsburgh as they settled into the South Florida community. Sam loved all the Steel City sports teams and proudly shared his pride in “growing up Pittsburgh” with his children, who became fans of the Black and Gold and of Kennywood Amusement Park at an early age. Sam was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a degree in Accounting from The University of Florida; a Masters in Business from Florida International University; and a Florida State Real Estate license.

Sam started his professional career in 1983 as a Financial Analyst with an international real estate developer based on Miami’s Brickell Avenue. Sam worked in various aspects of construction-related risk management, financial management, contract accounting, and project management throughout the years. Most recently Sam worked as a Project Manager at Jackson Land Development, where he was highly respected by the Executive Team and regarded as a friend by many within their offices and out on the jobsites.

Together with his children and friends, Sam enjoyed an active life filled with sports and hobbies. Basketball was a constant; he was a fixture among the “old guys” at Banford Park pickup games As an active Dad, he cheered on and sometimes coached his children in the Cooper City Optimist league. Golfing was another favorite pastime, a sport he inspired his son Tony to embrace as a young adult. Gathering with family and friends to cheer on his favorite sports teams – the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, Lakers, Gators – was Sam’s #1 favorite way to enjoy an afternoon or evening. These gatherings were generally served up with a side chicken wings hot out of the fryer and tossed with Gunny’s secret seasoning blend “imported” from Pittsburgh.

Sam’s special bonds with family were most beautifully evident in his relationship with his younger brother “Ang”. The two brothers were constantly together and regarded each other as the closest of friends. Through laughter and tears, births and deaths, Pittsburgh Steelers’ winning and losing seasons, holidays and working days, Ang and Sam experienced a rare and beautiful spiritual connection. The two never experienced a single argument or fight; when they got in trouble they had each other’s backs or got in trouble together. Sam was Ang’s emotional rock through all the seasons of his life; and for this, Ang will be forever grateful.

Sam’s warm, welcoming personality and infectious smile brightened the lives of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed in the days to come.