Samuel B. Vavonese

Samuel B. Vavonese, 89, of Hollywood Beach, Florida, passed away on August 25, 2026. Mr. Vavonese was born and raised in Syracuse New York and resided there until retirement in 1999. He was educated in Syracuse and was a graduate of the John A. Nichols Grammar School, Blessed Sacrament Junior High School, Christian Brothers Academy High School, and Lemoyne College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Relations. He earned his Juris Doctor degree at the Syracuse University College of Law. He served in the U.S. Army in 1956 and 1957 and performed his military duties at the Pentagon. Prior to commencing the practice of law, Mr. Vavonese was employed by Wilson’s Leading Jewelers, American Airlines, The Automobile Club of Syracuse, and the Travelers Insurance Company. Following his admission to practice law, he became an Associate in the firm of Costello, Cooney & Fearon, then served for seven years as an Onondaga County Assistant District Attorney. He subsequently joined the firm of McDonough, Digby & Connelly, and thereafter became a solo practitioner where he not only engaged in the practice of all areas of the law, including litigation and appeals, but also served as the Public Administrator of Onondaga County for twelve years, an appointed position of the Surrogate’s Court. Mr. Vavonese was admitted to practice in the New York state courts, the Federal District Court for the Northern District of New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals Second Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a member of the Onondaga County and New York State Bar Association as well as the National District Attorneys Association. He also served as a hearing officer for the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Mr. Vavonese was active in boating, sports and music, known for his trumpet and harmonica playing. He was an avid baseball fan, coincidentally living in the final home town of Joe DiMaggio. He was a member of the Syracuse Chapter of the United States Power Squadron and Local 78 of the American Federation of Musicians. In later years he served as Vice President, President and Assistant Treasurer of his condominium association. He thoroughly enjoyed live music, a good Italian meal and ice cream.

He is survived by his children John Vavonese (Sandra), Dan Vavonese (Andrea), and Julie Puntschenko (Michael), three grandchildren, Kimberly Caiola (Steve), Sara Vavonese and Sydney Vavonese, a great grandchild, Cecilia Caiola, with one blessed addition on the way, and several cousins and friends.

Services will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, where Mr. Vavonese will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.