Samuel D. Vassallo

Samuel Vassallo, born in Philadelphia, died Tuesday, August 31, surrounded by his family.  He was 91.

Sam was the son of the late Filomena and Samuel, and one of 7 children.  He was a graduate of Northeast High School.  In his early career, he worked in heating and air conditioning.  Samuel always wanted to own his own business, so one day he opened Vassallo Brothers Deli and Vassallo’s Italian Restaurant.  He briefly retired and in his mid-70s, he gutted the building to turn it into Harrington’s Pub with his late brother Alfonso where he was still involved in the daily operations until his death.

Samuel married Kay Thomas on April 28, 1956.  They lived in Holme Circle before eventually moving to Fox Chase, in the northeast section of Philadelphia, where they raised their 5 children.

Samuel loved to purchase fixer-upper cars.  He could take the front of one car and the back of another, and put them together.  Give him any challenge and he would exceed your expectations.  Samuel also loved to fix things around his home and would help anyone who needed him.  Any day and any time, he would be there.  From fixing things to financial support, Sam was the man.  He would give you the shirt of his back if you needed him to.  He also loved sports and music, especially Vic Damone.  But most of all, he loved to spend time with his family.

Samuel is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kay (Kathryn Thomas); his children: Kathryn (John), Stephen, Carol, Patrick (Mary Jean), and Lori (Gary); his siblings: Josephine, John, and Mario; and his grandchildren Alex, Shane, Evan, Zachary, Amanda, Juliana, and Christian. He is predeceased by his parents; his brothers: Thomas, Pasquale, and Alfonso; and his grandchild Joseph.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Tuesday at 9 AM at St. Hilary of Poitiers Church, Rydal, PA.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM.  Committal will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam's memory may be made to the American Heart Association.

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