Samuel James Fazzari

On the evening of January 2, 2012, Samuel James Fazzari, 92, passed away at home under the loving care of his wife.

Sam was born November 16, 1919, to John Fazzari and Jennie Rizzuti Fazzari in Walla Walla. He was the eldest of three siblings. As a child he attended Braden Elementary School and later graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy in 1938. He attended Seattle University for two years.

During World War II, Sam was drafted into the Army and served his country in Europe, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. At the age of 34, Sam married Marie Martuscelli on February 14, 1954. The couple made their home in Walla Walla where they raised their five boys.

Sam worked for 40 years at the Veterans Hospital, originally in the finance department and then as Chief of Food Production, retiring in 1985. Sam and his family had a strong devotion to the Walla Walla Catholic Schools, where they have donated thousands of hours catering countless meals over the past forty years. Sam’s dedication in the kitchen rang strong up to his last days. His 90th birthday was spent catering yet another fund-raising dinner on behalf of the DeSales Booster Club. His giving spirit and humility shined through his work.

His many hobbies included golfing, fishing, reading, cooking, working crossword puzzles, and tinkering with recipes in his sons’ Clarkston-area Italian restaurant. His true joys in life included his pristine vegetable garden, having coffee with his wife on the deck, attending sporting events, and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Sam found contentment in the simple joys of life. His work ethic and dedication to his family inspired all who knew him.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Goodall, and his foster sister Angie Nash. He is survived by his wife Marie, their dog Gee Gee, his sister Charlotte, and his five sons: John and his wife Becky of Clarkston, Marty and his wife Chris of Walla Walla, Greg and his wife Susan of Walla Walla, Rod and his wife Kimberly of Walla Walla, and Randy and his wife Stephanie of Clarkston. Sam and Marie have eighteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2012 from 12:00 Noon until after the Rosary at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Rosary in Sam’s memory will be held Friday, January 6, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 10 A.M. at Assumption Catholic Church. Vault interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Walla Walla Catholic Schools or St. Vincent de Paul through the funeral home.