Sabatino Pollastro, whose life stretched over two continents and nine decades and embodied the promise of America that millions yearn for, died on February 1st, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Tuoro di Caserta, Italy on May 21, 1939 to the late Gennaro and Maria (Santacroce) Pollastro, Sam came to America in July of 1961 seeking to find a better life and a loving family. He found both.
Never a stranger to hard work, he always held at least two jobs to support his family, including his 41 years as the owner of Sam’s Shoe Repair. He loved working with the public and as such made many friends. He retired from the State of Connecticut in his late 70s, and his business stayed open until 2022. Sabatino held many jobs throughout his life, but the one he was most proud of was being a grandfather. He shared many “common sense” lessons and favorite sayings with his granddaughters. In addition, he skillfully and meticulously planted an extensive garden every year – which he and his former wife, Maria (Colangelo) enjoyed greatly during their years together.
He is survived by his daughters, Rose DiMartino (Salvatore) and Anna Sardinskas (Stuart), his son, Sabatino Pollastro, Jr. (Sarah) and Maria Colangelo, his former wife, who cared for him in his final months in a tender act of compassion and love.
He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Tessa and Jenna Pollastro, two step-grandchildren, Maddie and Ian David, his sister, Teresa Napolitano, brothers, Miguel (Giovanninia) Pollastro and Guiseppe (Guiseppina) Pollastro of Italy, sisters-in-law, Veronica Pollastro, Julia Legenos, Carmella Bartimole and Pat Colangelo and brother-in-law, John Bartimole, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Anna (Gerald) Kinney and his brothers, Giovanni and Stefano Pollastro and brothers-in-law, Joseph Colangelo, Michael Legenos and Fred Napolitano.
Family and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Monday, February 5, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Tuesday morning, his funeral will begin at 10:15 am from the funeral home then proceed to Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Drive in Ansonia for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. Contributions in Sabatino’s memory may be made directly to the American Diabetes Association at, www.diabetes.org. To sign Sabatino’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
