NEW HARTFORD – Mr. Salvatore G. “Sam” Siracusa, age 94, a lifelong area resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, October 7, 2020, with the love and support of his family at his bedside. Salvatore was born in Utica on November 16, 1925, and spent his childhood in Sicily before moving back to Utica at the age of sixteen. His upbringing, although unconventional, provided him with street smarts, strength and determination; traits which he carried with him throughout his life. On May 14, 1952, Sam was wed to the former Katherine L. “Rina” Gemelli, and together they shared in a blessed union of fifty-four years. Sam lost his beloved Rina on May 31, 2006, but always carried her memory close to his heart; even asking for her on the last day of his life here on earth. As a hard working man, Sam was a butcher by trade and worked for various locales throughout the area, most notably with G&L in Utica. He was a longtime member of the District Local No. 1 Meat Cutters Union. Sam was a man who appreciated the simple things in life. He raised his children on traditional Italian values of family, food, friends and togetherness. When his grandchildren arrived, it brought out a whole new side of him and he loved and adored them more than anything on this earth. He enjoyed horse racing, keeping up with his home and his garden, and celebrating life’s moments with a good song and dance, surrounded by his beloved family and friends. Sam is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Alice and Thomas Ellis of Whitesboro and Gina and Vincent Pristera of New Hartford; his sons and daughters-in-law, Paul and Janice Siracusa of Pennsylvania and Salvatore and Dawn Siracusa of California; his grandchildren, Michael Ellis and Brittany Wakefield, Elissa Siracusa, Matthew Siracusa, Taylor Siracusa, Brianna Pristera and fiancée, Ryan Paparella, Krista Pristera, Brittani Siracusa and Jorge Rayes and Shanée Siracusa; and his great-granddaughters, Hailey Ellis and Domenica Longo. He also leaves his in-laws, John and Val Gemelli of New Jersey and Richard Gemelli of Utica, along with numerous nieces and nephews and members of the Pristera, Giruzzi and McEwen families. Aside from his wife, Rina, he was predeceased by a granddaughter, Ashley Pristera. In keeping with Sam’s wishes, his family will gather privately to bid their farewells and celebrate his life. His earthly remains will be laid to rest in St. Agnes Cemetery beside his beloved wife. Sam’s family has entrusted his final wishes to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000, Martin L. Ciaccia and Harry and Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.