Salvadore Sanfillippo

Madison - Salvadore (Sam) Sanfillippo, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2013, at 9:06 p.m. in his home thanks to the devotion, love, and care by his daughter Ellie, surrounded by his loved ones as he always wished.
Sam was born February 14, 1920, in Waukesha, WI. His mother and father arrived in this country from Palermo, Sicily when they were 12 years old.
Sam started in the funeral business in 1941 at the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee, WI, pursuing his degree until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1942. Sam had a very interesting and impressive past in the Army and entered the service at Fort Sheridan, IL on March 27, 1942. Sam received special training at Fitzimmons General Hospital in Denver, CO as a male nurse, and received a degree as a surgical technician during the Invasion of North Africa, landing in Casa Blanca in 1943. He also flew into the Skies of Tunisia, and then invaded Sicily, the country of his parents' birth. From Sicily he landed at the tip of the boot, for the invasion of Italy. After his mission in Italy and time in Naples, he went to Ireland and then to England to prepare for the invasion of Normandy Beach, June 6, 1944, D-Day.
He was also involved in taking over the second largest bridge in Holland, The Nijmegen Bridge, September 17, 1944, across the Moss Wood Canal.
Under the leadership of General James M. Gavin the 82nd Airborne continued to engage in the Battle of the Bulge, but sustained many losses. They broke through the German Siegfried line in the spring offensive.
Sam, a part of the 82nd was the first to March through the City of Cologne. It was responsible for capturing the German 21st Army Division of 145,000 German soldiers and stopped Von Rundstedt in Belgium. Sam was awarded the Purple Heart 5 times for being wounded on the battlefield. He was involved in 7 major battles. He also received the bronze star for being responsible for the return of 295 wounded veterans to their loved ones.
The 82nd Airborne was awarded the Netherland's highest decoration, the Royal Order of Wilham Nassau, thus being the first foreign unit to receive such a high honor.
After the service, Sam married Patricia Butler in the University Chapel in 1946. They raised their two lovely daughters, Melanie and Ellie in Madison, WI.
Sam started working for Ed Lawrence of Fitch Lawrence Funeral Home in 1953. Mr. Lawrence joined Deming Fitch in the funeral business in 1910. Ed and his wife, Salma took Sam in and treated him like their own. Working very hard Sam soon became a partner in the business. Patricia assisted Sam in the operation of Fitch Lawrence Sanfillippo Funeral Home. Sam and Patricia decided to sell the establishment to Bob Cress and his family in 1998. In 1999, Sam received a citation from Fred A. Risser, president of the senate. It commemorated the 149 years of business service provided to the Madison community by Fitch Lawrence Sanfillippo Funeral Home.
Sam, also an avid Badger fan was a sportsman like no other. Over the course of Sam's life, Sam enjoyed countless hunting and fishing trips. Fishing his way to becoming a legendary angler, Sam was eventually inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame. His unique 3,000+ piece exhibit of his hunting and fishing conquests is still admired to this day.
Sam is survived by his daughters Melanie (Fred Petrie) of Milwaukee and Ellie Sanfillippo-Ketelsen of Madison; 5 Grandchildren Sam (Becca) Ketelsen, Sarah (Nick Case), Jon (Kelsey) Petrie, Michael, Stephen (Joree) Ketelsen; 11 Great Grandchildren Zak, Hailey, Ellah, Abbi, Samuel, Camdyn, Lucas, Elijah, Tessa, Logan, and Beckham.
He is further survived by his sister Mary Sanfillippo of Oconomowoc, WI and many other admirers, relatives, and friends.
Sam was predeceased by his wife, Pat and his other brothers and sisters.
A visitation is planned for Monday, April 29, 2013 from 4 until 7 p. m. at the CRESS CENTER, 6021 University Ave. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 11 a. m. at St. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2015 Parmenter Street, Middleton with Msgr. Douglas Dushack presiding. There will also be a visitation at the church from 10 a. m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Dad, all that you left behind will forever keep your memory alive.
May you rest in Peace,
Fishing on calm waters,
Reuniting with loved ones and comrades
and catching those infamous mounters.
We love you!