Samuel M Cicchino

Sam Cicchino went home to be with the Lord on May 17, 2025 at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease and Congestive Heart Failure. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family. Sam was a decorated veteran, U.S. Marshal, devoted husband, proud father and grandfather.

Sam was born to Joseph and Elizabeth Cicchino on June 15, 1944 in Newark, New Jersey. He attended Queen of Peace schools in North Arlington. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and graduated from the “University of Parris Island” in South Carolina. He proudly served 20 years between active and reserve duty achieving the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. Sam served in two wars, Vietnam and The Gulf War (Operation Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait) and received several honors and medals including the Purple Heart. The Marine Corps was Sam’s second family. The discipline, training, and camaraderie turned a mischievous young man into a successful leader.

In 1971, Sam joined the U.S. Marshal Service and served for 30 years. He began his career as a deputy in Trenton, New Jersey where he served ten years. He was promoted to supervisor and transferred to Ohio and then to Florida. In 1988 he was promoted to Chief U.S. Marshal of Los Angeles, California and served eight years. In 1992 he transferred to Columbus, Ohio where he served nine years as the Chief U.S. Marshal and finally retired in 2001. Sam received numerous awards and honors for his outstanding service and dedication including a letter of appreciation from President Ronald Reagan. Sam proudly kept his retirement badge and credentials in his pocket even at the age of eighty.

Sam met his wonderful wife Zabel while stationed in Hawaii in the Marine Corps. They were blessed with three children Elizabeth, Joseph, and Veronica. Zabel supported Sam’s ambitious career goals while keeping the family grounded in the Christian Faith. She encouraged Sam to attend college where he earned a degree in police science at Brookdale Community College in 1981.

Sam was an avid guitar player and played in several bands. During his retirement years he taught several people to play guitar. Sam also enjoyed beach trips with family and always looked forward to reuniting with siblings and cousins at LBI, N.J.

In 2012, Sam lost his wife of 47 years to cancer. After 13 years, they will finally be reunited in heaven.

Sam was blessed with a wonderful family, a successful career, and numerous friends. He never forgot his humble beginnings and always tried to help others in need, he will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Sam is survived by his daughter Elizabeth (John) Gill, son Joseph (Audrey), daughter Veronica, sister Elizabeth “Betty” (Steven) Kepreos, grandchildren Joshua, Madison, and Max, and several cousins, nieces, and nephew. Sam was preceded in death by his wife Zabel, brother Carmine, and his parents.

The family would like to thank Bloom Township EMS, Fairfield Medical Center, Fairhope Hospice Services, VA home medical team, and all the caregivers for the exceptional care given to Sam.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 12PM at the HALTEMAN-FETT & DYER FUNERAL HOME with Chaplain Joel Reid officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4PM-7PM at the funeral home, as well as ONE HOUR PRIOR to the services on Saturday.