LEWISTON – Salvatore “Sam” Spadea, 85, of Rumford, passed away peacefully at Central Maine Medical Center on Nov. 5, with his family by his side.

He was born on March 5, 1920, and raised in Centrechi, Calabria, Italy, the son of Dominico and Francesca (DeFilippo) Spadea. At the age of 16, he came to the states and visited Maine where he met his loving wife, Carmella. They were married on Oct. 16, 1939, living and loving all their lives in Rumford.

Sam was honored to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He retired after working for more than 40 years in the unloading department at Boise Cascade. For most of these years, he walked to and from work. He obtained his driver’s license in 1969 and bought his first car.

He was a communicant of St. Athanasius and St. John Parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the VFW, Sons of Italy and the American Legion.

He loved watching and cheering for the Boston Red Sox and was able to fulfill his dream of seeing them win the World Series Championship. He enjoyed gardening, being with friends and playing cards. His greatest enjoyment was being with his family. His love and dedication to his wife and family were never-ending. He will always be remembered for his love, hugs and wonderful laugh.

Surviving are two sons, Dominico Spadea and daughter-in-law, Joan, of Augusta and Fred Spadea of Rumford; daughter, Maria Gagnon and companion, Paul Evans, of Scarborough; seven grandchildren, Tina Johnson of Windham, Lisa Spadea of Richmond, Tanya Watson of South Portland, Peter Spadea of Rumford, Shawn Spadea of Augusta, David Gagnon of Scarborough and Amanda Johnson of North Andover, Mass.; six great-grandchildren, Marissa and Tyler Johnson, Jacob and Alexis Watson, Taylor Gagnon and Gabrielle Rideout; one sister, Angelina Varano of Italy; and many other loving relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Carmella; and a daughter, Maria F. Spadea.

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