Mr. Santo F. "Sam" Gentile, 79 of Utica-New Hartford, departed this life on Saturday May 21, 2022 with his loving daughter by his side.

Sam was born in Utica, NY the son of the late Frank and Elvira Centolella Gentile.  He attended local schools and enlisted in the US Air Force in 1962, serving overseas in the Phillipines, Germany, France and England.  He was united in marriage to the former Anna Marie DeStefano and from that marriage they had three children, Steven, Christopher and Melissa.

Sam worked for many years for Milbrook Bakeries and was lastly employed with Adirondack Compressed Gas, retiring in 2008.  He was an avid fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and followed that loyalty when they became LA Dodgers.He loved the New York Rangers Hockey and enjoyed a most memorable day with his two sons enjoying a season game at Madison Square gardens.  He was the family handyman, would fix or build anything and once constructed a beautiful doll house from scratch for his daughter Melissa, which was passed on to his granddaughter.  He was a member of "good friends",  a group that would meet once a month for breakfast and once a year for an annual golf outing that he always looked forward too..

Sam was a kind loving and awesome father, grandfather and friend, who will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Sam is survived  by his daughter Melissa Gentile and son-in-law Michael Faccioli, of New Hartford, son Christopher Gentile and Stephanie Marcucio, Manhattan, NY and their mother Anna Marie Gentile.  He is  also survived by the love of his life his granddaughter, Gianna Marie Gentile –Faccioli, who he shared a special bond with.  Also surviving are his siblings, Carol Ambrose and Frank Gentile, both of Utica and Joann Judson, TN.  He was predeceased by his  son Steven Gentile who  was  always near and dear to his heart, who died May 6, 2015.Family wants to thank the staff at Katherine Luther Care specially acknowledging the Bryant unit for their care.

Sam's Celebration of life will be held at Mary, Mother  of Our Savior Parish at Lady of Lourdes Campus on Tuesday May 31 ,2022 where a mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. by the Rev.Joseph Salerno,with military honors conferred

In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to any animal rescue of your choice because Sam  was an avid animal lover.

Arrangements are under the guidance of John L Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks,NY To send a message  of sympathy go to www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com