SAMUEL MUSUMECI - OBITUARY

September 30, 1923 - February 8, 2011

MUSUMECI, Samuel 87, of Lawrence, passed away on Tuesday morning, February 8th 2011. Sam was a first generation Italian-American born to Giuseppe and Concetta Musumeci in Lawrence on September 30th, 1923. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and later attended Northeastern University on athletic scholarship. While on leave from university, Sam had a distinguished military career with the US army. As part of the 967th Amphibious Engineer Unit, he courageously landed in Normandy, France on D-Day. By the conclusion of World War II, Sam had fought in three battles including the Battle of the Bulge, two major campaigns and earned numerous accolades including the Croix de Guerre with Palms. Upon his return home, Sam took great interest in adolescent mentoring and motivation. He affirmed the idea that investment in our youth produced thoughtful, capable individuals who ultimately strengthened the family unit and nourished the community at-large. Combining his passion for athletics with this heightened sense of ethos Sam became a coach and eventual Director of Athletics at Holy Rosary Parish. After this notable period, he began a productive, twenty-nine year career at Raytheon where he worked in the missile defense department and continued to organize community leagues and events. Active even into his later years, Sam often cited one of his proudest accomplishments as the establishment of the Lawrence Sons of Italy Junior Lodge in 1997. In 2010, he completed his first book which illuminated the rich history of the Merrimac Valley and his career as a coach. It is entitled "Sam, A Coach's Story". Personally, Sam was a great family man with a heart of gold, and genuine interest in those around him. He treasured his heritage and was always willing to share his experiences and convictions, sometimes even at his own peril. In the Merrimac Valley, Sam was often the lone New York Yankee fan swimming in a sea of red. The most important things in life to Sam were always simple in nature, spending time with his beloved wife Rita and grandson Jesse were paramount. Sam adored traveling, literature, and writing, but he was most profoundly touched when the family gathered around the table and partook in warm conversation. He also strove to preserve the memories of those who departed too soon from this life, namely his first wife Louise and daughter Mary Ann. Sam is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Rita (Guerrera) Musumeci of Lawrence, MA, and his grandson Jesse Pelletier of Miami, FL. He will be greatly missed. Arrangements: Family and friends may call on Friday, February 11, 2011 from 3:00-7:00 pm at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., METHUEN. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM in Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 35 Essex St. Lawrence. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 35 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA 01841. For directions and online condolences please visit our website at www.cataudellafh.com.