Samuel J. Cammareri, 89, of Port Arthur, died Saturday, March 12, 2016, in Groves. He was a native of Port Arthur, TX.

As a young boy Sam Cammareri sold newspapers on the street corners of Port Arthur and shined shoes to make money. In his twenties he worked at a refinery for a brief time and then during the Korean War he served in the U. S. Army. He spent two years stationed in the Philippines. For the next 34 years, he and Helen owned and operated two grocery stores: The Red and White on West 16th Street and The Golden Steer on Houston Ave. He was a member of the American Italian Club. He was a devout Christian in the Catholic Church, he had been a member of St. Catherine Church for 50 years and served as an usher during that time. Sam was also an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus council #3491 in Groves for 38 years, as well as an honorary life member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Santa Maria Assembly #1100, for 35 years.  Until recently when Alzheimer’s would no longer allow him to do so, he daily studied God’s Word and prayed. He was a loving father to three children. He and Helen have been married for 65 years. In those 65 years, Helen never once had to fill her car with gas, he did it for her.  While he was in the nursing home Helen visited him every day, many times with cookies in hand. His face would light up when she walked in the room. They held hands often. His love and devotion for her was evident. He was a great example of a hard worker, faithful Christian, father, and devoted, loving husband. Most people knew him as “Mr. Sam.”

 

Mr. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and Peter Cammareri and his daughter Sarah Thornton. He is survived by his wife Helen of Port Arthur; two sons, John Cammareri of Tampa, FL and Vincent Cammareri of Austin, TX; a sister Mary Kenton of Austin, TX; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 10:00AM until 12:30PMat Grammier Oberle Funeral Home, a Christian Wake Service will be held at 10:30 in the funeral home chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00PM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church with burial following at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank Magnolia Manor nursing home for their caring of Sam.  They were attentive, professional, and personal and most days went over and above what would be expected to make sure that Sam’s life was a special one.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, 3840 Woodrow Drive, Port Arthur, TX 77642.