Obituary of Samuel Cavallaro

Samuel Albert âSammyâ Cavallaro, 91, of Krepps St., Morgantown, passed away Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at Madison Nursing & Rehabilitation Center of Morgantown from natural causes.A lifelong Morgantown resident, he was born August 26, 1921, to Larry and Mary (Neval) Cavallaro. Sammy graduated from the Morgantown High School, Class of 1940, where he was a starting point guard on the basketball team for two years. During this time, Sammy was voted to the all tournament team. He was a member of the US Army Air Corp from 1942-1946 during WW II. Sammy served in Kunming and Shanghai China during the war where he reached the rank of Technical Sergeant. He received an American Theater ribbon, Asian Pacific ribbon with three bronze stars and a WW II victory medal. When he returned from the war he married his high school sweetheart and classmate, Barbara Jean Price. Sammy was an accomplished softball player in various leagues in Morgantown, and during his military service. In those days softball was mainly a fast pitch sport and it was during this time Sammy pitched two no-hitters. Sammy will be well remembered as an avid golfer and member of the Morgantown Country Club and one of the charter members of the Pines Country Club. Sammy is long considered a pioneer of the walking movement in Morgantown, walking between 8-9 miles a day. He was always promoting the health and benefits of power walking to his friends. He was often seen walking along Patteson Drive and Chestnut Ridge road, waving to cars while walking at a brisk pace. When he returned from the service Sammy's plans were to finish college and become a basketball coach. At this time he met Edward Fields who needed someone to manage his Salvage and Recycling business. Needing to provide for his growing family, Sammy chose to work for Mr Fields. Sammy eventually took over this business and ran it successfully until his retirement.Sam was a deeply religious family man and was actively involved with St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Star City, having attended daily Mass for many years. He often visited friends in the hospital to brighten their spirits and was very giving of local charities. Through the years, Sammy touched many peopleâs lives with his kindness and generosity.His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the center of his universe and they affectionately referred to him as âPop Popâ. He was extremely moved recently when one of his great-grandchildren was named in his honor, a beautiful little girl named "Sam". He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara Jean Price his children, Richard Cavallaro and wife Nancy of Raleigh, NC, and Scott Cavallaro and Christy Cavallaro both of Morgantown three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren a brother, Nick Cavallaro of Largo, FL and a sister, Rose Marie Weimer of Morgantown.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Freddie Cavallaro.Family and friends will be received at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, University Ave in Star City on Sunday, December 9th from 2-6 PM. A Scriptural Wake Service will held at 5:45 PM in the church on Sunday to conclude the visitation. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday, December 10 from 10 AM until the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM with Father John V. DiBacco as celebrant. Interment will follow in Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens, Westover.In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sammyâs memory may be made to the Rosenbaum Family House, Medical Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506.Hastings Funeral Home of Morgantown is in charge of the arrangements.