SOUTHBURY- Samuel A. "Sasa" Sampieri, 77 of Southbury, died Monday January 22, 2007 after a short illness at Waterbury Hospital with his family at his side. He was the loving husband of Mina (Falcioni) Sampieri.

Mr. Sampieri was born in Derby March 12, 1929, son of the late Carmello and Margaret (Barnacusso) Sampieri. He grew up in Ansonia and attended Ansonia schools and graduated from Pine High School, Class of 1947. Sam was a very well known football player. He is always remembered for his last ditch tackle against New London Buckley, leading to a victory for Ansonia in 1946.

He joined the Navy in 1947 and served his country for 3 years, then honorably discharged. He and his wife are owners of Samina Farm, a well known horse farm in Southbury. He was member of the Connecticut Gymkhana Association Horse Club for many years. Before his retirement, he worked for Suburban Propane for 25 years as a truck driver.

Besides his wife of 52 years, he leaves his son Sam L. Sampieri and his wife Norita of Granby, CT, a daughter Donna Talarico and her husband Louis from Oxford, two granddaughters Rebecca Sampieri and Brianna Talarico and a grandson Alex Sampieri, four brothers William of Shelton, Orlando of Ansonia, Anthony of Bristol and Carmen of Middletown, two sisters, Nellie Funaro of North Haven and Margie Guilizza of Seymour and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by four brothers, Michael, Emilio, Joseph and Norman Sampieri and two sisters, Annie Ferrillo and Frances Rusinik

Cemetery: Southford Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Sacred Heart Church

Services: A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. South, Southbury. Burial will be in Southford Cemetery, Oxford.

Visitation: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, January 24, in the chapel of the church from 4-8 p.m.