Sam Colarusso

In Brooklyn, New York, if you looked to the roof of a Jewish Delicatessen, in the heart of a Sicilian-Jewish neighborhood, you would find a young boy named Sam. Raised by his Grandmother in San Diego after being orphaned at the age of 10, Sam had few male role models involved in his early life. He found the discipline and structure in the military. It helped shape him as a man and gave him a direction in life. His Grandmother and brother gave him the love and support, while the military gave him the strength and courage to start a family of his own. Sam was a two sport athlete in high school, lettering in both football and baseball. He excelled on both fields earning all-district in each sport. He was offered an athletic scholarship to attend the University of San Diego, but life turned in a different direction that led him to join the military. Soon after entering the Air Force, he would meet his wife, Chiyako. Little did they know that the Vietnam war would escalate a few years later and Sam would be sent overseas leaving his wife and three children behind. After his 20 years of service with the United States Air Force, Sam headed to Las Vegas, Nevada, the entertainment capital of the world. He started his civilian career in 1977 as the Food and Beverage Director at the Flamingo Hilton. Sam then moved on to the Landmark, Riviera, Showboat and Tropicana Hotels as the Purchasing Director. Sam’s passion in life has always been his family and grandchildren. His greatest joy was to shower love, guidance and “advice” to his children and grandchildren. Along with his focus on family, you could always find him during football season, watching his beloved Oakland Raiders - soon to be Las Vegas Raiders or sitting at the Thomas and Mack Center rooting for his UNLV Runnin’ Rebels and shouting, “Go to the basket!!!”. Sam was also a 33rd degree Master Mason and was proud to be a Shriner. Sam is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Chiyako and his children, Rose, Angela and Sam Dominic along with his 8 grandchildren and brother, Anthony and family. At his request, no service will be held locally. A private service (date to be determined) with full military honors will be held in San Diego where his Mother and Grandmother were laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Salvation Army, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Disabled Veterans or a charity of your choice in Sam's name. Thank you.