Sam Joseph Belsito

Born on March 21, 1933, in Lansing, Michigan, to Joseph and Luigina Belsito, Sam lived a life full of love, laughter, devotion, and service. A proud graduate of Resurrection High School, he went on to serve in the United States Navy before beginning a long and meaningful career as a communications technician. He worked for the State of Michigan as an engineer and then spent nearly four decades at Michigan State University, retiring from WKAR after 39 years of service.

As a young man, Sam was persistent in his courtship of Josephine Vilella. After much determination—and the blessing of her father—Sam and Josephine were married on August 22, 1959, becoming the first couple ever wed at St. Gerard Catholic Church. That day began their remarkable 65-year journey together, raising four beautiful daughters and building a family rooted in love, faith, and laughter.

Sam was a man of many passions. He enjoyed woodworking, remodeling, bowling, golfing (but only in perfect weather), and cherished time spent at the cottage on Manistee Lake, where he made many dear friends. A devoted parishioner of St. Gerard Catholic Church, he lived his faith quietly and consistently. He was also an avid HAM radio operator known by his call sign "K8SSX" (King 8 Sugar Sugar X-ray). His kids often recall waking to the sound of Morse code drifting through the house.

Known for his quick wit and legendary “dad jokes and tricks,” Sam had a playful spirit and loved sharing it with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surrounded by his wife and four daughters, Sam was lovingly spoiled by the many women in his life.

Sam is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Josephine; his daughters Luigina (Jeff) Tweddle, Toni (Bruce) Douglass, Angie (Chris) Butterwick, and Samantha Beard (Brian Armour); grandchildren Jason (Kristen) Tweddle, Linley Tweddle, Natalie Douglass (Zach Schultz), Patrick Douglass, Sam (Megan) Butterwick, Haley (Steven) Hoeve, Jared Beard, and Emily Beard; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his in-laws Pat (Gordon) Stoney, Phil (Darlene) Vilella, and Tom (Gabrielle) Vilella, along with many cousins and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Luigina Belsito and his siblings and their spouses: Phil (Doris) Belsito, Mary (Wayne) Newton, Kate (Al) Bozzo, Sister Helen Belsito, Janie (Jim) Alrick, and Amalia (Mike) Tenuta.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Gerard Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam’s memory may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan (University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, Lansing), Juvenile Diabetes Research, MS Research at Michigan State University or the Eaton County Humane Society.

Services entrusted to Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Funeral Home.