Salvatore "Sam" Ruvolo, age 94, of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away on Friday, September 30, 2022. Sam was the second son, of four boys, born to Joseph and Josephine (Maugguri) Ruvolo, who immigrated from Sicily, on September 20, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio. Sam was married to Lois Ann (McLaughlin) for 64 years until her passing in 2020. He was the father of four children: Margaret (Rod) Janshen, Joseph, Thomas, and John (Teresa); and "Poppa" to 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Anthony, Patsy and Jack; and his granddaughter, Christie.
Sam was living in Las Vegas at the time of his passing. He was most well known as a Football Coach and teacher; but, spent the last 40 years of his life as an advocate for Veterans rights and was on Capitol Hill lobbying during the attacks on September 11. He was a past American Legion Commander for the State of Nevada and spent many summers working with the American Legion Baseball program at the national level.
After his graduation from John Adam High School in Cleveland, Ohio, Sam joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. Back home, he enrolled at Kent State University with the intention of becoming a coach and teacher. He graduated with a degree in science. Sam later earned a Master of Science from prestigious Case Western. He told me, "not bad for a guy who's high school guidance counselor told him to join the U.S. Army and learn to peel potatoes because that is all you are capable of." The potato peeler went onto teach at both the high school and university levels, as well as, coach at every level from youth, high school, college along with a short stint at in the CFL.
In 2000, Sam was enshrined in the Cathedral Latin Hall of Fame. He also served as past president of the Ventura County Coaches Association, and was one of many that along with the Lions Club to establish the Lions County All-Star Football game. Sam loved to say, "if you have the intestinal fortitude to go after what you want and the Burning Desire to Win, there is nothing you won't achieve." Some of his most proud moments were not only the athletes that went on to earn college degrees and made it to the professional level but those who became leaders in their community always remembering to "pay it forward." His home office was filled with hundreds of pictures of former players and coaches that helped remind him that "You Make the Difference".
Sam was laid to rest privately at the Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. There will be a Memorial Prayer Gathering for all friends and family on November 12, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 PM at the American Legion Post 40 Building located at 425 E Van Wagenen Street, Henderson, NV 89015.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Ruvolo family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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