Samuel E. "Sam" Lanza

Warren – Samuel E. “Sam” Lanza, 92, of Warren, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, October 27, 2018 at his residence with his loving family by his side.

Sam will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends for his generosity, kindness, and his heart of gold. Sam was a man that said what was on his mind and always fought for what was right with all his heart.

Sam was born January 20, 1926 in Warren, the son of Joseph L. and Edith (Gustafson) Lanza and was a lifelong area resident.

Sam heard the call of his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on March 10, 1944 serving during World War II. He earned the rank of Corporal and was stationed in the Asiatic Pacific Area with his military specialty Machine Gun Crewman. Sam was wounded in action on April 22, 1945 in Okinawa and spent 16 months on a hospital ship along with other Naval Hospitals until he was honorably discharged August 12, 1946 from the Marine Barracks Training Center, Great Lakes Illinois. Sam was awarded the following decorations for his service to our country; Honorable Service Button, the Purple Heart for wounds in action, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon.

Sam started his career in Milwaukee at Nordberg Manufacturing Co., and Tex-Rite Corp. Upon moving back to Warren in March of 1948 he worked at the War Assets Administration and the Lordstown Ordance Depot till it closed in December 1963. Sam then was employed with the U.S. Army Support Element in Oakdale, Pennsylvania (A Nike Site) as a Housing Manager until February 27, 1981.

Sam joined the Disabled American Veterans, Trumbull County Chapter #11 in 1948 and was appointed the Adjutant on a temporary basis and served in that position until present. He also served as Treasurer, Chapter Service Officer and was the Legislative Chairman. Sam has gone thru all the chairs of the DAV Department of Ohio and was elected to State Commander in June 1997-1998. He was called to also serve as a State Sr. Vice Commander and the DAV National Executive Committee.

Sam was a lifetime member of numerous organizations; the Disabled American Veterans, the Military Order of the Purple Heart where he served as Commander of Chapter 606, the VFW, the Marine Corps League where he was Senior Vice Commandant for 2 years, the American Legion Post 540, of NAUS, NARFE where he was past president, and the AmVets.

Sam has been honored by having a Proclamation naming on May 8, 1992, Sam Lanza Day in Warren, a proclamation naming April 25, 1998 Sam Lanza Day in Warren and on the same date a Proclamation naming Sam Lanza Day in Trumbull County. He was also honored by the Tribune Chronicle and the American Red Cross as a Community Star.  

Sam had many passions throughout his life. He enjoyed Notre Dame football and was an accomplished bowler having scored a 297 game.

His wife the former Shirley Joyce Meier whom he married on May 24, 1946 died March 20, 2003 after 57 years of marriage together.

Sam leaves behind to hold onto his precious memories his three sons Sam (Edna) Lanza of White Oak, Pennsylvania, David (Carol) Lanza of Mineral Ridge and Edward (Donna) Lanza of Cortland, three daughters Linda Allen, Elaine Taylor and Marilyn Porec all of Warren, nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, fourteen great-great grandchildren and a longtime friend and companion Jean Parke, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides his parents and wife, Sam was preceded in death by a daughter Margaret “Peggy” Eaton three brothers Joseph, Louis and Charles Lanza and a sister Lena Clark. 

There will be a funeral service held on Friday, November 2, 2018 at 11:00 am at Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Rd., Cortland with Pastor Sanford Downs officiating. Following the church service, the great men of the Trumbull County American Legion will provide military honors for Sam.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Sinchak & Kaszowski Funeral Home, 727 E, Market St., from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm and on Friday, November 2, 2018 from 10:00 am until 10:45 am at Bazetta Christian Church.

Entombment will take place at Pineview Cemetery, Warren.

In lieu of flowers material contributions may be made in Sam’s name to Bazetta Christian Church, 4131 Hoagland Blackstub Rd., Cortland, Ohio 44410 or to Disabled American Veterans, 2044 Youngstown Rd. SE, Warren, Ohio 44484.

Family and friends may visit www.sinchakandsons.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book or share condolences with Sam’s family.  

Sam says, “I am proud to have been able to service my country and may God bless America and all our military serving us around the world”.

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