Samuel A. Cipolla

Samuel "Sam" A. Cipolla, 87, of Rockford passed away Friday, September 26, 2014. Born October 21, 1926, in Rockford, the son of Salvatore and Josephine (Mangiaracina) Cipolla. Sam married Santina F. "Sandy"Gagliano on October 19, 1946 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Sam worked as a heavy equipment operator with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, for 50 years. He was also a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Sam's life revolved around his family and he always put them first. The Cipolla Family would like to give a special thank you to Kathleen Mangiaracina, for all her kindness, love and care.
Survived by his daughter, Josephine Cipolla; grandson, Andy (Stacy) Cipolla; great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Kylie, Anthony, Andrew, Samantha and Kendra; numerous nieces and nephews including special nephew, Henry Crocker, who was alike a second son. Predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Josephine, wife, Sandy on August 26, 2004, son, Sammy Jo and sister, Antoinette Crocker.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with rosary recited at 6:30 p.m., on Wednesday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel and will continue at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m., prior to Mass. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To express online condolences, please visit: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.