Samuel Sam C. Donze

Samuel Donze, 86, of Syracuse, passed away on Tuesday in his home with his daughter by his side. Born in Syracuse in 1926, Sam grew up on Townsend Street, the youngest child of Mariano and Antonina Donze, owners of Donze’s Market. Sam proudly served in the United States Army during WWII, stationed at home and in Germany. Upon returning from the war, Sam worked alongside his parents at Donze’s Market, married the love of his life Rose in 1954 and co-founded the Italian American Athletic Club with his best friend Paul Sindoni. In 1960 his infant daughter Susanne became the heart and soul of his life. In 1978, Sam and Rose also fostered Patti Putzer as their “second daughter”. Sam spent his young life dedicated to his family and to Donze’s Market, and his adult life serving his loyal customers and friends at Sam Donze’s Meats. It’s hard to find a Northsider who didn’t know and love Donze’s sausage and Sam’s “special sausage” at holiday time. In his later years, he and his wife Rose proudly ran Donze’s Too! Pizza and Subs, catering mostly to employees of Syracuse hospitals. Saturdays always remained dedicated to his lifelong meat customers. Sam was a communicant of Transfiguration Church where he was a member of the Holy Name Society and served as an Usher and Lector. Sam was a devoted and loving family man and loyal friend. His gentle, kind and giving spirit touched many lives, as did his precious smile. He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth “Bessie” in 1984 and his cherished wife of 55 years, Rose in 2009.

Sam is survived by his beloved and devoted daughter, Susanne of Syracuse; his brother, Nunzio (Carmella) Donze of Syracuse; several nieces, nephews, and godchildren; and dear friends, John and Cheri Caiella and family.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday 9:15 A.M. at FARONE & SON FUNERAL HOME and 10 A.M. at St. Margaret’s Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4-7 P.M. at the funeral home, 1500 Park Street, Syracuse.

Donations may be made to St. Margaret’s School Angel Fund or Hospice of CNY.

Condolences may be offered at www.faroneandson.com.