Samuel J. Pizzo

Samuel “Sam” was born July 30, 1936 to Giuseppe and Margherita Pizzo. He lived with his brother, Jim, and his grandparents, Vincenzo and Margherita Vitale.

He served in the Army for 2 years stationed in Europe. When he came back, he stood up for his Godfather’s daughter’s wedding where he met his future wife, Grace. They never even talked to one another and he did not know anything about her, but two days later, he went to her house with his father and uncle to ask for her hand in marriage. There was no dating between them because her father would have no part of that. Sam and Grace were married eight months later June 2, 1962. They have three children, Margaret (James) Waltz, Francesca (Mitchell) Wolski and Joseph. Sam was a proud and loving papa of his four grandchildren, Mitchell (Selicca), Samantha (Steven), Nicole (Robert), and Jared (Samantha). Three great granddaughters, Viviana, Willow Grace, and Oakley. Dearest son-in-law of the late Salvatore and the late Francesca Lopiccolo. Cherished brother of Jim and Vivian. Sister-in-law to Stella (late Fred) Marzano, brother-in-law to Nick (Sue) Lopiccolo, the late Sam (Angie) Lopiccolo, the late Frank and the late Petrina Lopiccolo, the late Joe and the late Mary Lopiccolo. Survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

He worked at Great Lakes Steel for 42 years in the Chemical Lab Department. He retired in 1996 and has since enjoyed traveling and being with his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his biggest joy. He has been involved and active with his clubs, The Downriver Italian American Club, Santa Rosalia, Santa Fara, San Giuseppe, and the Knights of Columbus. He was committed to volunteer work for Stepping Stones, Fragile X organization, Lymphoma-Leukemia Foundation and many other groups.

Sam’s joy was having his family close and always being around people sharing his many stories. Sam always considered himself “a blessed man who led a good life.”

He was well loved and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the Trenton Chapel of the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 3200 West Rd. Trenton, MI 48183, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. There will be a rosary service at 7:00 pm on evening of visitation. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, June 30, 2023 at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Annunciation, 32477 Church St, Rockwood, MI 48173, with an in state starting at 10:00 am and funeral mass starting at 10:30 am. There will be a procession to Our Lady of Hope Cemetery for an honor guard service at the graveside.