Samuel Vaccaro, age 88, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was born May 13, 1936 in Rockford, IL, the son of Santo and Clara Vaccaro. Sam proudly served in the United States Navy from July 1, 1954-July 5, 1962, was a veteran of the Korean War and a member of the VFW. Sam married the love of his life, Doris Gambill, on February 19, 1956 in Rockford, IL. He was employed by the Rockford Housing Authority for over 40 years. Sam loved fishing, taking care of his home, tending to his landscape and so much more. He loved meeting people, making friends and creating mischief anywhere he went. Later in life, Sam enjoyed coin collecting and building crafts (bird houses, model cars, airplanes, etc). He enjoyed country and gospel music, and played as a percussionist in a family band called GrandJam. Sam especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sam leaves behind his wife, Doris; daughters, Cyndi (Larry) Shields, Lori Vaccaro and Julie Vaccaro (Bill Pasque); grandchildren, Matthew (Melinda) Shields, Andrew (Roxanne) Shields, Kaitlyn (Matthew) Jones, Chelsea Beran, Lexi Whaley (Jeremy Rose) and Hayley (Mark) Frakes; eighteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and four brothers.
A private funeral service and entombment will take place at Sunset Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. Flowers may be sent to Sunset Funeral Home.
