Salvatore (Sam) Joseph Papetti, Jr. passed away on Sunday May 16th from natural causes at the age of 99 (his 100th year of life!), surrounded by his family. Sam, Sammy, Uncle Sam and Sugar Bear, just to name a few of his nicknames, was a larger than life human. He regaled his family and friends with his wit and humor. In the presence of Sam, there was never a dull moment. Either through his stories or his amazing cooking skills, Sam was quite the entertainer.
Sam was born in Collinsville, California - the fifth of nine brothers and sisters. He is survived by his sister Josephine (Josie) Leontini, and preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore Papetti, Sr and Splendora Fidanza who immigrated from San Benedetto, Italy and 7 of his 8 siblings; Dominic Papetti, Carmen Cattolico, Rose Curreri, Matilda Cobiseeno, Phillip Papetti, Joseph Papetti and Savior Papetti.
Sam started his career early as a commercial fisherman and held that title for over 75 years, until he retired in February of 2006. He spent his summers fishing Salmon in Alaska and Bellingham, WA and also fished Herring in the San Francisco Bay. His lifelong love of fishing earned him seven 'High Boat' (highest seasonal catch) titles in Bristol Bay, Alaska as well as the title of 'Oldest Herring Boat Captain' (San Francisco Bay) at the age of 84.
Sam proudly served his country as a Coxswain in the US Navy from May, 1944 to March, 1946 where he earned the Victory Medal for his service. During his time in the Navy, Sam fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima in WWII on the USS Napa and proudly recalls witnessing the raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi.
Sam joined the Operating Engineers Local Union #3 and dredged many channels, including the San Diego Harbor with the Utah Drilling Company, Alameda and San Francisco Bay, and 30 miles of deep water channels from Rio Vista California to Sacramento California.
Sam's greatest love of all was his family. His devoted children, Linda Heinz (Jerry) of Clayton, Salvatore (Sam) Papetti III (Amber) of Collinsville, and Laura Haller (Clay) of Concord, who are also preceded in death by their mother Frances May Papetti. Sam had 7 grandchildren, Jerry Heinz, Jr., Francie Small, Jesse Papetti, Julianne Spooner, Salvatore (Joie) Papetti, IV Samantha Papetti, and Lauren McGuire. He had 12 great grandchildren; Justin, Savannah, Dalton, Rylee, Emilie, Allie, Max, RaeAnn, Abbott, Alyssa, Daniel and Declan. And, one great, great grandchild, Aubrey.
Sam's love of life, his laughter and storytelling will be missed by all. Heaven is a better place with him in it.
Friends and family are invited to attend a service on Wednesday May 26th, 2021, at 11am at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord, California. Following the church service, friends and family who wish to attend the burial service, may join us at 1pm, at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2200 East 18th Street, Antioch, California.
Please join us for a celebration of Sam's life at the Pittsburg Elks Lodge at 2pm, 200 Marina Blvd., Pittsburg, California, where we will share some food, drink and stories of our beloved Sam.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude. You can donate in memory of Sam on their website at: www.stjude.org