Samuel B. Cernek

Samuel B. Cernek CSM, U.S. Army (ret), 85, of Homosassa, FL (Sugarmill Woods), passed away April 13, 2012. He was born June 17, 1926 in Verbce, Czechoslovakia to Samuel and Kristina (Vnuk) Cernek. He came to this country July 5, 1937 at the age of eleven and settled in Lower Manhattan, NY with his parents. He moved to this area from Mahopac, NY in 1989. After graduating high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving with the #3rd Infantry Division “Rock of Marne” in the European Theater operation from Anzio to Berchtesgaden. He retired as Command Sergeant Major from Camp Smith, Peekskill, NY with over 38 years of honorable military service. He was awarded many decorations, including the French Croix De Guerre. He was a Life Member of Amvets; American Legion Post 155 and Citrus County Veterans Coalition, both of Crystal River, FL; Society of the 3rd Infantry Div. O.P. #2, 71st Infantry Veterans Assoc., 42nd Infantry Div. Assoc., Sergeant Major Assoc., The Retired Enlisted Assoc. (TREA), Armed Forces Top Enlisted Assoc., North Suncoast Republican Club, Scottish Rite Ocala and Springs Lodge #378 F. & A. M. (32nd Degree), Homosassa, FL. Sam was a member of both Nativity Lutheran Church, Weeki Wachee, FL and Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in New York City. Mr. Cernek was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 42 years, Christine Cernek of Homosassa, FL; daughter Linda (husband Vincent) Basile of New Jersey; daughter Andrea (husband Kenny) Luther of Florida; sister Anna Elias of White Plains, NY; sister-in-law Anna Matula of Yonkers, NY; sister-in-law Elizabeth (husband Bob) De Blasio of Longview, TX; two grandchildren, five nieces, three nephews, six great nephews, one great niece and other relatives and many friends, here and in Slovakia. He will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL with full military honors. Sam will be deeply missed by his family and all that knew him. A Celebration of Sam’s life will be held at Nativity Lutheran Church, Weekee Wachee, FL on Wed., April 18th at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Kristin Wee officiating. Interment with military honors rendered by the Florida Army National Guard will commence at 1:00 P.M. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Friends will be received on Tues., April 17, 2012 from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. at Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa Springs, FL. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Hospice of Citrus County, P.O. Box 641270, Beverly Hills, FL 34464 or Nativity Lutheran Church, 6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34613 www.wilderfuneral.com