Samuel J. Spina, Sr.

1941 - 2026

Samuel J. Spina, Sr., 85 of Lee Center passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY.  Sam was born on March 3, 1941 in Rome, NY, son of the late Peter (Pee Wee) and Pompeii Samarco Spina. Sam was educated in the Rome City School District. On October 8, 1966 he married Carol Wright at St. Peter’s Church, in Rome, a blessed union of almost sixty years. Sam proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1967 through 1969.  Sam was employed early at the Pettibone Plant and later found his dream job at Rome Air Force Research Laboratory as a general contractor. A job he loved and would retire from. He was a lifetime member of the Lee Center Rod and Gun Club and Mohawk Beagle Club. He was his happiest taking long drives up north, finding great places to eat and collecting antiques with his wife. He loved running his dogs, cooking some walleye lunches, and spending time chasing rabbits with his friends at the club, especially Vito Valenzano. A skilled outdoorsman, he loved hunting Tassel Hill, fishing Lake Delta and pulling the walleyes off the shore of the Mohawk River. Time in the woods with his sons, nephews, and friends were memories that he cherished. His children and grandchildren truly were his greatest joy in life. 

Surviving beside his loving wife Carol, are a son and daughter-in-law, Samuel Jr. and Margaret Spina, Rome, and son Michael Spina, Rome. He will be missed by his grandchildren; twins Tanner and Tessa, several cherished nieces and nephews as well as their loving families. Also surviving Sam is a brother, Peter Spina, New Jersey and a brother-in-law Mark Wright. Also surviving is his faithful canine companion, Boomer, who was with Sam even on his last day. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Pompeii, and three brothers, Louis, Nicholas, and Anthony. 

The family would like to express our sincere thank you to the ICU staff at Bassett Medical Center, as well as the entire staff at Innovative Renal Care in Rome, especially Anita and Erika for their care and compassion through his illness.

Funeral services will be held on Monday June 1, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery on Tuesday June 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., where all are welcome to attend.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Sam’s name to Humane Society of Rome, Inc., PO Box 4572, Rome, NY 13442-4572 or a charity of one's choice. 

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.