Samuel S. Janoplis

Samuel, otherwise known as Sam, Sammy, or Big Sam, enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was born to Michael and Annie Janoplis on June 26, 1937. Growing up, he preferred hands-on learning and capitalizing on all of the special opportunities afforded by living on the very tip of Cape Cod, particularly boating and the restaurant industry. While working at Flyer’s Boatyard as a teenager, Sammy explored his love of the sea, which later transformed into a love of boating and visiting various lighthouses throughout New England. For those who knew Sam later in life, this was evidenced by his favorite lighthouse sweatshirt that he wore more often than not. As a young adult, he worked at his family’s business, The Mayflower Cafe, alongside his father, Mike Janoplis Sr., and brother Mike Janoplis Jr. It was here that Sam cultivated his lifelong love for the service industry. After starting at The Mayflower Cafe, he went on to own The Family Table and eventually worked at John’s Footlong, or “The Stand,” well into retirement. Sam thrived in the restaurant world, because he made it his own, no matter where he worked, by having at least one member of his family working there beside him. Big Sam was the epitome of a social butterfly, and working in the restaurant industry allowed him to flex his social muscles daily. After work, Sam could often be seen cruising down Commercial Street for a nightly ride in his truck or convertible, saying hello to friends, family, and vacationers. Big Sam said hello to anyone and everyone, which, over time, transformed him into a Provincetown staple.

In addition to his lifelong work in the restaurant industry, Sammy was a skilled carpenter. He started out working alongside local electrician Herman “Tiny” Rivard. From there, he honed his skills by building alongside friend and fellow carpenter Robert “Dousha” Silva. Eventually, Sam expanded into interior trim work through his employment for Thadd Papetsas. Sammy's carpentry work was made extra enjoyable by working alongside one of his lifelong best friends, Ernest Carreiro. Eventually, Sam combined his skills in carpentry, interior trim work, and general handyman abilities in order to build his beloved home in Provincetown, where he enjoyed many years with his former partner, Luitgard “Lu” Hetlyn.

Living and working in such a small tight-knit community brought Sammy a tremendous amount of joy and comfort. He entrenched himself further in the community by being a member of both the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. In both organizations, he gained lifelong friendships that felt like family, as well as a fair amount of delicious meals he would reminisce about until the next big meeting. Big Sam was so special to an abundance of people. His memory will perpetually live on in the form of loving memories, endearing impressions, hilarious anecdotes, and even his famous bobblehead.

Samuel is predeceased by his father Michael Janoplis Sr.; his mother, Annie Janoplis; his brother, Michael Janoplis Jr.; and his sisters, Louine Daugherty and Helen Carter. He is also predeceased by his former wife and the loving mother of his children, Maria Brito Janoplis.

Samuel is survived by his four children: Michael Janoplis, with whom he shared a tremendous passion for cooking; Michelle Janoplis, with whom he shared the ability to socialize with anyone; Mark Janoplis, with whom he shared the idiosyncrasies of everyday life, and Mylan Janoplis, with whom he shared a dedication to hard work and perseverance. He was a proud grandfather to Danielle Lisbon and Mia Janoplis.

He is also survived by Suzanne Carter, his beloved niece who took care of him for many years, as well as many other nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Samuel’s favorite organizations, the Provincetown Rescue Squad.

A celebration of life will be held at noon on Saturday, November 4 at the Surf Club in Provincetown.