Sam Violi

Sam Violi, 102, of Mishawaka, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Heritage Point, Mishawaka.

Sam was born January 20, 1919 in Plati, Italy to the late Antonio and Marianna (Barbaro) Violi. He came to Mishawaka in 1936. He served his country in the US Army from 1941 – 1945 during World War II. He became a United States citizen while serving in the Army.

On July 5, 1948, Sam married Giulia “Julia” P. Romeo and the couple made Mishawaka their home.

Sam and his brother Frank owned and operated Violi Shoes in Mishawaka for many years. They both received the Key to the City on August 23, 1990. Sam was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church, the Diloreto Society and VFW Post #360 all in Mishawaka. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and reading. Sam and Julia traveled throughout the United States and abroad.

Sam’s surviving family includes his four children, Marianna (Stephen) Govorko of Mishawaka, Anthony (Mary Kay) Violi of North Richland Hills, Texas, Rita Robertson of Goshen and Dominic (Jennifer) Violi of Mishawaka; seven grandchildren, Julie (Matthew) Collins, Chrissy (Rick) Farrell, Anthony (Kristin) Violi, Michael ( Barbie) Violi, Lisa (Kenny) Cook, Rachel (Jason) Oppenheim and Dominic Violi; eight great grandchildren, Nicholas and Michael Collins, Luke and Cade Violi, and Christian, Maya, Aiden and Millie Oppenheim; nieces and nephews, Mary Anna Violi, Frank Violi, Tony Violi, Lori Gaby, Toni Ann Thornton and Julie Strohl; and several nieces and nephews in Italy.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Julia; a grandson, Samuel Violi; brothers, Dominic and Frank; sisters, Bettina, Anna and Maria; and nephews, Dominic and Fred Romeo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 23, in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Rev. Jacob Meyer officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery where military honors will be provided by VFW 360/ American Legion 161 Burial Squad.

Visitation will be from 9:30 – 10:30 am Tuesday in church.

Memorials are suggested to St. Monica Church or Diloreto Society.

Arrangements are under the care of Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka.