LITTLE FALLS - Deacon Sam P. Salamone, age 85, a former longtime resident of Little Falls, went home with the Blessed Mother to be with Abba Father on Tuesday evening, May 3, 2016. At the time of his passing he was surrounded by the love and support of his family. Born in Frankfort on July 22, 1930, Sam was the son of the late James and Josephine (Cardinale) Salamone. On October 31, 1953 he was united in marriage to the former Mary A. Grates in St. Mary's Church, Frankfort. Sam and Mary shared 58 years of happiness and love until Mary's passing on December 4, 2011. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Sam served his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return from Korea, he began his working career as a Line Foreman for National Grid (Niagara Mohawk), a position he held for thirty-six years until his retirement in 1989. One of Sam's greatest accomplishments was being ordained as a Deacon of the Roman Catholic Church in October of 1982. Because of his great love for Abba Father, Sam was called to bring the message of Divine Mercy to thousands of people throughout Herkimer and Oneida Counties, as well as points beyond, for over thirty years. He served with various churches throughout his tenure, including: St. Joseph's in Little Falls, Blessed Sacrament in Mohawk, Holy Family Parish in Little Falls, Our Lady Queen of Apostles in Frankfort and St. Mark's Church in North Utica. His love and devotion to the Mercy of his Savior was his consuming passion to which he dedicated his life. His love for his wife, sons and family knew no bounds. Deacon Sam's legacy will be carried on by his sons and daughters-in-law, James and JoAnn Salamone, Stephen and Colleen Salamone, and Richard and Laura Salamone, all of Little Falls; his grandchildren, Samuel and Leslie Salamone, Joseph and Renee Salamone, Daniel and Allison Salamone, Maria Salamone, Nicholas Salamone, DJ and Gina Shepardson, Bryan and Sarah Shepardson, Stephanie (Salamone) Metott and husband Mark, Richard and Sara Salamone, Chantal Salamone and Bryce Salamone; his great-grandchildren, Gryffin, Hugo, Caden, Théo, Brayden, Nolan, John, Brynn, Bailey, Mason, Aidan and Aubrey; his brother, Stephen Salamone of Frankfort; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Sam was predeceased by his loving wife, Mary, his mother and father, Josephine and James Salamone, his brother, John Salamone, and his sister, Rosemarie Salamone. The family wishes to acknowledge the love and compassionate care Sam received at Valley Health Services, and Hospice & Palliative Care. The family also wishes to acknowledge the love and support of so many wonderful friends and family throughout Deacon Sam's life and service in the Lord. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Sam's calling hours, which will be held on Friday, May 6, 2016 from 9:00AM – 11:00AM at St. Mark's Church, 440 Keyes Rd, Utica, NY. Deacon Sam's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence immediately following visitation, at 11:30AM at St. Mark's Church, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Mark Pasik, Pastor. Interment with full military honors will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort, where Sam will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Mary. In lieu of floral arrangements, memorial contributions may be made to Valley Health Services or to St. Mark's Church Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the service. The family is being cared for by Harry J. Enea, Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. "Thank you Abba Father for the life and love of this special servant, husband, father and "Papa", and for his joyous journey home to your loving arms."