Saverio Spagnolo

It is with profound sorrow that we share that Saverio “Sam” Spagnolo passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the age of 87 at Canton Potsdam Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Sam was born on May 22, 1938, in Plati, Reggio Calabria, Italy to the late Francesco Spagnolo and Elisabetta Zappia. In his teenage years, Sam’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through. He took on the role of food buyer for the family’s bottega and delivered fresh fruits and vegetables to nearby towns. His business sense and his dedication to quality earned him a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy. This early experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors, teaching him the importance of hard work and the value of building strong relationships with others.

On June 14, 1959, he married Carmela Sergi, the love of his life, in their hometown. In 1961, the newlyweds settled in Massena, NY. He went to barber school in Syracuse, NY and returned to open Tony and Sam’s Barber Shop. In 1963 & 1964 they welcomed their children, Francesco and Lisa. In 1966, Sam and Carmela worked alongside his sister, Maria, and brother-in-law, Sam at Sergi’s Pizzeria in Canton, NY. Sam was a barber by day and pizza maker by night. Sam opened his barbershop next to the Roxy Theater. Sam and Carmela found their forever home in Potsdam, where they became beloved members of the community and in 1967, they opened Sergi’s Italian Pizzeria on Elm Street, before moving to the current 10 Market Street location. What began as a humble family venture soon grew into a local landmark. A place where generations of families gathered to celebrate milestones, share laughter, and enjoy the comfort of authentic Italian food made with love. To Sam, Sergi’s was never just a restaurant; it was a place of connection. He greeted everyone with a warm handshake, a kind word, and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye that made you feel like family.

Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carmela, his cherished children and their families, son Frank (Maria) Spagnolo, daughter Lisa (Mario) Sergi, grandchildren Saverino (Nicole), Graziano (Juliana), Carmelina and Romano, and blessed with three great-grandchildren Francesco, Maria and Domenico.

He is also survived by three brothers, Giuseppe (Antonetta), Pasquale (Rosa) and Paolo (Caterina) all of Cornwall, Ontario, one sister Teresa (Ralph) LaSala of Potsdam, and by his sister-in-law Maria (late Joe) Cufari of Australia. Saverio is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. They will each fondly remember his love, warmth and generosity.

Sam was predeceased by his parents, Francesco and Elisabetta (Zappia) Spagnolo, five brothers, Antonio (late Elisabetta), Rocco (Maria) of Australia, Domenico (late Maria), Rosario (Brenda) and Graziano in infancy, by two sisters, Maria (late Sam) Sergi, Caterina Spagnolo, by his in-laws Michele and Giuseppina Sergi, and by one nephew, Francesco (son of Domenico and Maria).

Sam’s commitment to his community extended beyond the walls of his restaurant. He was an active participant in local events, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. His generosity and kindness touched the lives of many, earning him the respect and admiration of those around him. Sam was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam. He enjoyed many hobbies such as road trips with family and friends - especially traveling to various tracks for horse races, in particular to follow Dear Star - his world champion standardbred. He loved following local and professional sports, playing cards, WWE, and was spotted sitting outside reading the daily newspaper.

Over the years, Sam was recognized with numerous honors and community awards, reflecting not only his entrepreneurial success but his dedication to making Potsdam a better place for all. His kindness and generosity transcended the boundaries of his business, making him a steadfast source of strength and support for those in his community.

His dedication to community service was honored through numerous awards, including Potsdam Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year (1997), Clarkson University Hockey Booster of the Year (1998), Gertie Labaff Community Service Recognition Award (2007), Liberty Medal (2015) presented by Senator Joseph Griffo, SUNY Potsdam Leadership Through Service Award (2015), Clarkson University Business of the Year (2018), Empire State Award (2019), each a reflection of his deep commitment to service, friendship, and excellence.

His legacy of service and leadership continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the Potsdam community. Sam’s achievements were not just measured by the accolades he received but by the countless lives he touched with his kindness and generosity.

Sam always had the utmost respect and appreciation for the dedicated and loyal employees who throughout the years helped build Sergi’s and became like family.

Sam’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, some of whom have become lifelong friends, the hospitalists, all the healthcare professionals and support staff at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, as well as the home care team, for their compassion, exceptional care throughout the years. Your expertise, care and dedication brought great comfort to Sam and his family during this difficult time. Also, thank you to the cardiology team at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital in Syracuse. The level of care, patience, kindness and love extended by each of you will be forever cherished by our family.

As we remember Sam, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love and family. His spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Though his chair at Sergi’s will be empty, his presence will forever fill the room.

Donations in Saverio “Sam” Spagnolo’s memory can be made to the Saverio “Sam” Spagnolo Foundation, 10 Market Street, Potsdam, NY 13676, which will continue to give back to the community he loved so much.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Garner Funeral Service, Potsdam, NY.

Condolences for the Spagnolo family can be shared at www.garnerfh.com.

Visitation will be held at the Clarkson University, in the Cheel Center.

Calling hours will be Thursday, October 16th 5-8pm and Friday, October 17th 2-5pm and 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Saturday, October 18th at 10:30 am with Rev. Raymond Moreau celebrant. Entombment will follow at the Bayside Cemetery in Potsdam.