Salvatore “Sam” Neri

ALBION – Salvatore F. “Sam” Neri, age 90, passed away October 17, 2024 at the Villages of Orleans surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 27, 1934 in Albion to the late Saverio and Esther (Sacco) Neri and remained in this area his entire life.

He was a 1952 graduate of Albion High School before he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Korean War. Sam was a member of Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church and as a boy, he helped rebuild the altar after a fire.

He was very involved with his children and coached their little league baseball and his girls’ softball teams. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Albion Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #1006 and served on the Democratic Committee for many years. Sam was integral with starting up St. Vincent DePaul in Albion where he was very active.

Sam worked for NYS Gas and Electric then worked at Eastman Kodak retiring in 1991. After his retirement, he worked at the Orleans Correctional Facility and Lifetime Assistance. He enjoyed meeting his friends for coffee, especially back when the Apollo Restaurant was open. Sam was an avid NY Yankees and Buffalo Bills fan. But most importantly, his family came first and he loved spending time with them.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his by his siblings, Lena Quagliana, Charlie Neri and Patsy Neri; daughter-in-law, Nancy Neri; great-granddaughter, Ciara Callicutt; and great-grandson, Maddox Pearl.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Sandra (Brooks) Neri; children Lynnette Wright, Kim Achzet, Scott (Debra) Neri and Jennifer Fitzwater; grandchildren Zachary (Gaby Watson) Achzet, Sarah (Rayford) Callicutt, Ashley (James DiMatteo) Neri, Patrick (Melissa Olles) Neri, Jessica (Mike) Kincaid, Katelyn (Ryan) Pearl, Riley Fitzwater, Abby (Patrick Ricker) Fitzwater and Lauren (Jeremy Mallett) Fitzwater; 14 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Sam’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Wednesday, October 23rd from 4 to 8 p.m. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Church W. Park St. Albion, NY 14411 on Thursday at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will be held at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sam’s name may be made to DIPG Foundation.  To mail a check, Tough2gether Foundation, 2201 Columbian Rd., Wamego KS 66547, put Maddox Pearl in the memo.

To share a memory of Sam, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.