Sam Joseph LoPorto

Sam Joseph LoPorto passed away quietly in his home on Jan. 10, 2012.

A service will be held at a later date.

Sam was born in Anaheim, Calif., on April 26, 1918, to Joe LoPorto and Anna Bucheri LoPorto who had emigrated to the United States from Sicily; he was one of seven children.

He lived a colorful childhood and had many hilarious stories. He very much enjoyed school and learned his trades from his father.

He joined the National Guard while still in high school. The guard was inducted into Federal Service early in 1941. Sam went into the service as a private and came out as a major in the 132nd Infantry Division after serving in the Americal division. He served on Kauai, Bougainville, Fiji and the Philippines.

After 10 years in the service, he came home in September 1945 and went to work at a nursery where he met JoAnne McClung, his wife of 65 years.

During his life, Sam worked mostly in the wholesale nursery business. He retired in 1981 and moved to Bonners Ferry.

Here, he loved fishing, hunting, and especially gardening until the last few years. It was here near the banks of the Moyie River that he and his wife carved out a beautiful space for their children and grandchildren.

Moving rocks, planting trees, clearing brush, and using whatever he could, he created a home, a beautiful garden, and a wonderful play area for the children. He enjoyed making things out of whatever was available and could fix almost anything.

His wit was quick until the end and he never wasted lumber or words. He always took care of himself; he relished his good health and never took it for granted, but he came to endure multiple health problems in his last few years and found it frustrating not to be able to do the things he had always done for his family and others.

His passing has left a giant void in the lives of his family, but they take comfort in the knowledge that his suffering is over and he is in the company of the Savior, whom he loved.

He is preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his wife JoAnne and his four children: Michael LoPorto, Kathy Young (Mike), Patrice Richardson (Les), all of Bonners Ferry, and Nancy Chirichillo (Richard) of Port Charlotte, Fla.; grandchildren, Joe LoPorto (Briana), Matt LoPorto, Cody LoPorto, Julie Vignari (Troy), Jennifer Davis (Brian), Tina Clausen (Chris), Rebecca Young.

He is survived by his brother Tony LoPorto of Missoula. Sam has 12 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.