IN MEMORIAM
Samuel C. Sandoli, 74;
Retired Oneonta Teacher
ONEONTA – Samuel C. Sandoli, 74, who retired from Oneonta Middle School after a 35-year teaching career, passed away on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Bassett Hospital.
He was born on July 16, 1944, in Albany, the son of Salvatore and Thomasina (Spinola) Sandoli.
A 1962 graduate of Oneonta High School, and a life-long area resident, as well as an active community member, Mr. Sandoli most recently taught social studies at the Oneonta Middle School, retiring in 2006 after an amazing 35-year teaching career.
As a student teacher he quickly realized his enjoyment of harnessing his interest in history by teaching. He started teaching elementary education at Cherry Valley Central School in 1971, and went on to educate students at St. Mary’s for six years. He ultimately gained a position in Oneonta Middle School in 1982.
Mr. Sandoli’s students were genuinely engaged and he spent many hours supporting them outside of the classroom. He coached the cross-country team for several years, mentored the chess club, and assisted the marching band.
Sam was honored as an outstanding teacher of American history by the Oneonta Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. In the autobiography he wrote for DAR he said, “History is something to be lived, especially with children.”
Sam could quite often be found procuring uniforms and participating in reenactments of Civil War Era conflicts, locally and in the classroom. He reveled at “making history come alive for kids.”
Sam ultimately was awarded a grant to create a Civil War uniform to wear in the classroom. He addressed many civic groups and published a book titled, “Come Cry with Me,” a compilation of letters of a Civil War soldier with photographs of places mentioned in the letters.
Sam was a Lector and active member for many years at St. Mary’s Church. He was also a 3rd and 4th degree member of Knights of Columbus, former secretary for the Oneonta Eagles Club, member of the 6th Ward Athletic Club, and member of the Oneonta Amateur Radio Club.
Sam’s signature smile could be seen many times on the trolley in town underneath his conductor’s cap. He looked forward to participating in the Pit Run every year.
He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Dennis Sandoli of Nineveh, Joseph and Gail Sandoli of Conway, SC; and Phyllis and Gary Couse of Oneonta; nieces and nephews, Christopher Sandoli, Michelle Sandoli, Monica Niles, Sara Couse, Stephanie Cavallaro, Daniel Sandoli, and Kattie Sandoli; several cousins, great nieces and great nephews; and good friends, Bruce and Linda Endries of Oneonta.
He was predeceased by his sister in law, Kay Sandoli.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, October 5, 2018 from 6 to 8 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St, Oneonta.
A funeral mass will take place at 11 am on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
In lieu of flowers donations in Sam’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Kidney Fun.
Condolences to the family may be made online at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.
