Samuel L. Surace, 87, of Watertown

WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - Samuel L. Surace, 87, of Watertown passed away Saturday morning, November 18, 2023, at Samaritan Keep Home.

Sam was born in Watertown March 23, 1936, son of Pasquale T. and Mildred (Denny) Surace and he attended Watertown schools. He served honorably in the US Air Force from March 8, 1954 to November 1, 1957, discharging as an Airman First Class. He then served in the Air Force Reserves until June 16, 1961. On May 23, 1964 he married Joyce J. Dubrey at St. Joseph’s Church in Dannemora.

Samuel retired from Watertown Department of Public Works as a Working Foreman. After retirement he was a part time driver for Amsa Armored Car. He was a communicant of Holy Family Church, was a Eucharistic Minister, and enjoyed volunteering at church functions and making rosaries to donate back to the church. Sam was a member of American Legion Post 61, Knight of Columbus Council 259, Bishop Conroy Council 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and Northside Improvement League. He enjoyed being a ham operator, hunting, fishing, and bowling. Sam loved music, singing, and playing his guitar and harmonica.

Along with his wife, Joyce, of 59 years, Sam is survived by his daughter and her husband, Kim S. and Bradley Taylor, Amherst, his son, Pasquale T. Surace, Watertown; four grandchildren, Samantha Bree, Spencer McCreary, Giana Surace, and Logan Surace; three great grandchildren, Rose and Jude Bree and Sophia Buldra; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his two brothers, Joseph and Wilfred Varno, and three sisters, Virginia Powell, Anna Adams, and Mildred Surace.

The family would like to thank all of the caring staff on the 4th floor of Samaritan Keep Home.

Calling hours will be held at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown on Friday, November 24, from 5 - 7 PM. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 25, at 11 AM at Holy Family Church followed by burial in Glenwood Cemetery. Online condolences to Sam’s family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. Donations in his name may be made to Holy Family Church, 129 Winslow St., Watertown, NY 13601 or to Alzheimer’s Association Central New York Chapter, 5015 Campuswood Dr., Suite 102, East Syracuse, NY 13057.