Sebastian Salvatore (Sam) DiNoto, 88, of Bainbridge, New York, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on December 14, 2016.
Sam was born on January 26, 1928 in Norwich, New York, to the late Antonio and Concetta (Catherine) DiNoto. He was a graduate of Norwich High School, captain of the football team and served in the Army from 1946-1948. Following his honorable discharge, he played semi-pro football on the Norwich Y Giants.
He married the love of his life, Caroline (Dolly) Spadaro on July 25, 1953. Sam and Dolly settled in Bainbridge where he was the original store manager for Victory Markets, later Great American, for over 33 years in Bainbridge, Sidney and Unadilla.
Sam was extremely committed to the community through his involvement as a Paul Harris fellow with Bainbridge Rotary Club, was a member of the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council #4937, and 50 year member of St. John’s and St. Agnes Parish. Sam was a founding member of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta Committee as part of his involvement with the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce. He will be long remembered for slaving over his legendary chicken barbecue at the annual regatta, passing the skills along to younger community members and family who continue the tradition today.
Sam loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He was an avid gardener sharing his bounty with everybody. In his retirement he kept himself busy building bird houses, picket fences from recycled wood, assembling and displaying jigsaw puzzles, completing word search games, and playing cards.
Sam is predeceased by his parents, daughter, Mary Jane Hughes and her husband Richard. He is survived by his wife, Dolly, daughters Susan (Daniel) George, Donna (Doug) Holdrege, Sandra (Joe Parella) DiNoto, Caroline (Paul) Laing, Denise DiNoto. He is also survived by grandchildren Chris George, Erin (George) Drummond, Cassandra (George) West, Sara (Hughes) Tribou, Joe Hughes, Karen Hughes, Jenny Holdrege and Randy Holdrege, Daniel Gally, Joshua Gally, 9 great grandchildren, sisters Angelina Hill and Jennie Nichols, both from Arizona, 3 sisters in law, many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call on Sunday, December 18 from 2:00-5:00pm at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney. Funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 15 Liberty St. Sidney at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 19, with burial immediately following at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge.
Sam always said, “When I die, throw a party!” so if you can’t join the family at the Sacred Heart Church Hall immediately after the burial, you are encouraged to celebrate in your own way.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.