Roll Call Tribute

Sam J. Scamardo
November 1, 1933 - July 20, 2020

"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds …”
John Magee’s High Flight

Sam J. Scamardo was born November 1, 1933 and died July 19, 2020 following a lengthy illness. He was one of a set of identical twins born in Hearne, Texas to Josephine Loria Scamardo and Sam Pete Scamardo. Sam grew up in the Brazos Bottom cotton farming community of Mumford, Texas. After graduation with honors from Mumford High School, he initially attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville Texas. On a blind date, he met Betty Jean Wilson, who predeceased him after 64 happy and loving years of marriage. Sam transferred to A&M College of Texas after marrying Betty in 1954. He became a proud member of the Aggie Corps of Cadets and graduated with a Business/Finance degree. Following graduation, Sam joined the United States Air Force as a pilot. He became a decorated career officer in service to his country during the sternest portion of the Cold War. He retired honorably as a Lt. Colonel in 1976. Sam was then fortunate to work as an independent consultant, an executive in the banking industry and finally as a construction manager for Houston home builder Fox and Jacobs. He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed sharing his knowledge to help others. It was not unusual for men who worked for him as a young officer to call unexpectedly some 50 years later to share how much they learned and flourished under his leadership. He was known in his senior living community as a problem solver and volunteered as a community concierge. More than he enjoyed learning, flying planes, jets and helicopters, Sam loved and cared for his family. Family memories revolve around cross country trips in an original Volkswagen Beetle (bought while stationed in Germany) and a Woodie station wagon packed full of children and pets. Family moves occurred after being transferred to new Air Force base assignments nearly every year for twenty years.

Sam is survived by his five children, Sue Anne Hill (Gerald) Sherry Scamardo, Sam W. Scamardo (Sharon) Shelly Scamardo (Dave Freeman) and Sandra Scamardo. His twin brother Tony H. Scamardo also survives him. “Popo” was a sometimes stern but much loved and admired grandfather to seven grandchildren (James, Tyler, Sterling, Cameron, Spencer, Elora and Zoe). He was also an uncle to one niece and several nephews. He will be missed as the stalwart head of his family.

Special thanks are extended to the dedicated care staff at Stonemere Rehabilitation Center in Frisco, Texas.

A private family service and burial will be held at Forest Park Cemetery in Houston TX at a future date. Memorial gifts in Sam J. Scamardo’s memory can be made to Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Suite 410 Rockville, MD 2085.

Copyright 2015 Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow