Sam Elia
From Eliafamily
Contents |
Samuel Francis Elia
| Sam Elia | |
|---|---|
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| Fact File | |
| Birth Date: | March 20, 1913 |
| Family Information | |
| Lineage: | Sam Elia Lineage |
| Parent: | Maria and Nicola Elia |
| Siblings: | Angela Ocello Tom Elia Charlie Elia Rose Modica Mary Elia Angelo Elia Tony Elia |
| Children: | Kathleen Majewski Nancy Benton |
Samuel Frances Elia was born on March 20, 1913 to Maria and Nicola Elia in Norwich, New York. Living in Norwich all his childhood, he graduated from Norwich High School in 1932. After graduation, Samuel spent one year in the Civilian Conservation Corps, an organization for young men who wanted to earn money for college. In 1933, he entered LaCrosse State College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Samuel graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. While in college, he fell in love with his soulmate for life, Dorothy Ranallo of Cumberland, Wisconsin. With only Dorothy's family present (the trip to Wisconsin was too costly for Samuel's family), the two married on October 15, 1940 in the backyard of Dorothy's family home in Cumberland. With a goal of getting his master's degree, Samuel took courses at the University of Minnesota while he and Dorothy were living in the midwest.
He would finish that degree at Cortland State College when he returned to New York, achieving enough credits to be a Director of Athletics. Samuel taught school in Watersmeet, Michigan as a basketball coach and instructor for intramural sports. He spent three years in the United States Air Force in North Carolina as a physical education director and physical therapist. Samuel and Dorothy moved back to Samuel's hometown in 1948 when Samuel accepted a physical education teaching position at Norwich High School. Years later after completion of his master's degree, Samuel accepted the administrative position of Athletic Director. He held that position until his retirement in 1977.
For many years, the Elias owned a cabin in Cumberland, Wisconsin, often getting visits there from relatives in the midwest. Steven St. John remembers fun weekends at the cabin swimming in the lake with his cousins by day and playing cards with Uncle Sam and Aunt Dorothy at night.
Samuel and Dorothy were very fortunate to be able to enjoy their retirement years, spending most winters in Florida. In the last few years before his death, Samuel was much happier to stay close to home and his children and grandchildren. On August 29, 1997, Samuel F. Elia left this earth to fly among the angels. He is greatly missed by his family, but he continues to be an inspiration to them. His first granddaughter Jennifer feels especially lucky to have her Papa as her guardian angel!
Dorothy Ranallo Elia
Dorothy Ranallo was born on August 22, 1915 in Cumberland, Wisconsin, to John and Elizabeth Ranallo. She lived in Cumberland all of her childhood and graduated from Cumberland High School in 1933. Dorothy entered LaCrosse State College in Wisconsin that same year. In 1938, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a mate for life, Samuel Frances Elia. While Sam was in the service, Dorothy taught school in Grand Marais, Minnesota, in North Carolina, and in Footville, Wisconsin. Dorothy married Samuel on October 15, 1940 . Together with Samuel, she raised two beautiful daughters Kathleen and Nancy. She also taught school at Norwich Junior High School and at Norwich High School. Dorothy and Samuel shared 57 years of a beautiful life enjoying family and friends. After his death, Dorothy spent many happy years near her daughters in Rochester, New York, making many new friends. She enjoyed card game nights, trips to visit her grandchildren, outings with friends, and many more activities that keep her young. After a full life of good health, she left us on December 1, 2008.
Synopsis of Dates
- Sam's Birthday: March 20, 1913
- Dorothy's Birthday: August 22, 1915
- Wedding Anniversary: October 15, 1940
- Sam's Death: August 29, 1997
- Dorothy's Death: December 1, 2008
