Sam M. Lafata

Sam Lafata was born in Detroit on June 11, 1933 the son of Mariano and Josephine Lafata. Sam married the love of his life, Josephine Mannino on May 6, 1961 at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms. Sam was the beloved husband of Josephine and the dear father of Josephine Godlewski (Philip) and Marie Caradonna (Dominic). Sam was the loving grandfather of Michael, Joey (fianc Heather), Matt, Karli, Nicholas, Alex, and Sam. He was predeceased by his parents Mariano and Josephine Lafata, his brother John Lafata, and his sister Mamie Maltese. Sam was a doting and proud grandfather and enjoyed attending all of their sporting events. He was also very fond of his "grand dogs" and always had treats in his pocket for them. Sam was a pioneer in the automobile auction industry. In 1972, he started the first state-of-the-art sale of its kind, APTCO Auto Auction, in Taylor, MI. He later built another 8-lane auction from the ground up for Manheim Auctions in Flat Rock, MI. He consulted for Mercedes, GM and Ford for many years as well. He served on the board of Life Directions and Credit Acceptance Corporation for many years. He was also co-founder of the Michigan Independent Automobile Dealers Association. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf, bowling and promoting professional boxing. Visitation for Sam will take place Sunday 2-9 pm with a Rosary 7 pm at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods. Sam will lie in state Monday 9:30 am until time of Mass at 10am at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be directed to Life Directions, 5716 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48210

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236