Sam Daleo

Sam Anthony Daleo (born Salvatore), age 95 of Waunakee, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021.  He was born in Madison, Wisconsin, son of Giovanni and Maria (Tusa) Daleo on March 29, 1926.

As the son of Italian immigrants, Sam grew up in a ten-block area in Madison known as the Italian Greenbush.  He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic school through the eighth grade and continued his education at Madison Central High School through the eleventh grade.  During his high school years, Sam worked in the mailroom and was a delivery boy for the Wisconsin State Journal.

In early 1944, just shy of his 18th birthday, Sam’s parents signed his application to join the Navy.  After graduating from Great Lakes Naval Training Station, he was stationed in Hawaii at the Kaneohe Bay Air Base where he was assigned to the Carrier Air Service Unit, Pilot Detail & Loading Crew.  He later became a Seaman First Class.  Following World War II, Sam returned to the United States where he completed his high school requirements.

Sam married Phyllis Thompson on June 14, 1947, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  In 1997 they shared their love with family and friends in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Sam was employed by the United States Postal Service for a year before joining the State of Wisconsin-Department of Transportation (Division of Motor Vehicle) where he worked as a computer operator, Systems and Data Processing, for 37 years, retiring in 1989.

For many years Sam and Phyllis were active members of the Boots & Slippers Square Dance Club.  They danced weekly traveling to small towns around Wisconsin.

At the age of 83, Sam authored a book, My Little Sicily.  A book signing was held to celebrate his birthday and to share his childhood memories of family, personal tragedies, and growing up in the “Bush”.

Waunakee became their home in 2002.  With Phyllis’ passing in 2006, Sam remained in his home into his 94th year.

Sam was a long-time, active member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Middleton.  His strong faith blessed him throughout his life.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who always put family first.

Sam is survived by his sons, Sam (Lynda) Daleo Jr., Hurley, New York; Nancy (Jay) Bailey, Kiel; Sandra (Gary) Sahagian, Madison; Jacqueline Daleo, Sun Prairie; Andrew (Jennifer) Daleo, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; daughters-in-law Sharon Daleo, Rita Daleo; son-in-law, Keith Bay; 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, sisters Kathleen Taylor and Mary Jean Simerson.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, of 59 years; his sons Gary, Mark and Steven Daleo; his daughter, Kathleen Daleo-Bay; grandson, Michael Bay; brothers Ernest Daleo, John Daleo and sister-in-law Doris Daleo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 2015 Parmenter Street, Middleton, Friday, December 10, 2021 with Father Brian Wilk presiding.  The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass.  Burial with full military honors, will follow the Mass at Sunset Memory Gardens.

Donations may be made in Sam’s memory to the American Legion Post 245, 2217 American Legion Drive, Cross Plains, Wisconsin 53528.

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