Sam Latragna was born Nov. 14, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri and passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022.
He attended St. Ambrose Grade School before moving on to Bishop DuBourg High School, graduating in 1963. Sam attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for three years before enlisting in the Navy and serving from 1968-1972.
Upon his return, Sam became an audio-visual technician for St. Louis Public Schools, where he retired in 2005.
He was always on the move, looking for anything to fix or work on. He was an avid horse- and western-movie enthusiast.
Sam is survived by his three children, John, Michelle and Mark; grandchildren Mackenzie Fortna, Eric and Peyton Latragna, and Derrick Moore; and sister Josephine (Barry) Roche. Sam is preceded in death by his loving wife of 43 years, Melba (Williams) Latragna; mother, Catherine (Notte) Latragna; sister Carmeline (Latragna) Becker; and brother-in-law David Becker.
Sam battled many different obstacles throughout his life that he never gave in to or let define him. He was always available to anyone who needed him, rarely, if ever, saying “no” to an ask for help. To many, Sam is an ordinary man. To his family and friends, Sam is a hero.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Sam’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Road, Friday, June 17, 9:15 a.m. to St. Joan of Arc Church for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, 4-8 p.m.
I’d known Sam as Melba’s faithful husband, and always appreciated his quiet spirit. I’ve known Ron, Melba’s brother, for many years, and remember numerous times with Sam and Melba at Ron’s home.
Life is fleeting, but the great times with loved ones remain in our hearts, always able to bless us in remembrances that influence us with the joy of having had them in our lives. May Sam’s family be especially blessed through the awareness of the love of God in their hearts.
Such a sweet, kind and loving man. I’m forever grateful to have known and loved him. I’ll always remember him as an exemplary father and paw-paw to his wonderful children and grandchildren. I’ll miss his many stories and his smile. All my love and deepest condolences to the family he loved so very much.
John Michelle Mark and family-
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sam was a devoted husband loving father and grandfather and a friend to all those he got to know. I always enjoyed his conversations at family gatherings and hearing about his latest projects and his thoughts on how to fix all the problems in this world. He is suffering no more and our love we have for him lives on in all of us.
I have so many precious memories of Sam. When I think of Sam, his infectious laugh comes to my mind. His devotion to family and friends. The only consolation in the loss of our dear Sam, is that he is reunited with my sister Melba. I hold you all in my heart and hope as time passes you can obtain some comfort and peace in the wonderful memories of time spent with your dad.
I love you all,
Aunt Jan
We are so sorry for your loss, Sam (and Melba) were always wonderful neighbors who were always kind and approachable. We saw how much they put into their family and faith in their lives as a blessing and priority. May God bless you all as you grieve Sam’s loss. Our condolences.
John and Family,
I am sorry for your loss and pray for comfort and rest at this very difficult time.
Mark R
So sorry to hear that Sam passed away. I knew him when I was in high school 1971-1975 I worked in his dept and during the summer. He inspired me to finish high school and made sure I went onto college as he did for many students he knew. He was a hero in my eyes. Great person with a kind heart.