Sam Red Armato

LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER AND PAPA
Sam Red Armato, 78, of Loves Park passed away on October 15, 2008 in his home surrounded by his family after a courageous 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born December 12, 1929 in Chicago, the son of Carlo and Mamie ( Rebecca) Armato. Sam attended Chicago and Rockford public schools and later married the love of his life Marguerite Marge Behen in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lombard, IL on June 1, 1957. Sam served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1953. He was employed by the Rockford Board of Education until his retirement in March of 1991. Sam was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church. He was also an avid Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and New York Yankees fan. He enjoyed playing golf, winters in Florida, his morning coffee buddies at McDonalds and spending time with his grandchildren. Sam cherished and loved unconditionally and unselfishly all of his family and many wonderful Rockford and Florida friends. His Catholic faith and sense of humor defined him, he was an amazing man. Sam is survived by his wife Marge, daughter Sue (Steve) LaBounty, son Carl (Shari) Armato and Mary (Mitch) Dally. Grandchildren Jared LaBounty, Abby, Anna, Sam and Molly Armato, Samantha and Mia Dally. Sister Josephine Taylor and brother Phil Armato. In-laws Jerry (Fran) Humphrey, Mary Joan Behan, Judy Armato and many special nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents, brother Peter Armato, sister Madelyn Armato, brother Felix Armato, grandson Riley Dally, brothers-in-law James Taylor, John Behan and sister-in-law Joyce Armato. His family especially thanks Dr. R. Nora and the entire OSF Center for Cancer Care, the OSF Hospice staff, Dr. M. Maloney, and Dr. J. DeGuide amp; Associates for their loving support and care. Funeral Mass will be Monday, October 20, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Bridget Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2008 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., with the Rosary being recited at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass Monday in the church. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorials in Sams name can be sent to OSF Center for Cancer Care, 5666 E. State St., Rockford, IL, 61108 or UW Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53792. To express condolences online please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.