Salvatore “Sam” Tripoli, 98, formerly of Lawrence and Methuen, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 22, at Hannah Duston Healthcare Center in Haverhill.
Known by most as “Uncle Sam,” he was retired from the shoe industry in Lawrence and was a long-time member of the Sargent Club in Methuen. Tripoli enjoyed annual winter vacations in Florida with his wife Carmela, sister-in-law Mary and friends. He enjoyed horse racing at Rockingham Park and the weekly family Poker game. With a cigar in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other, he was counted on to toast any gathering with his signature pronouncement, “It is now post time!”
Tripoli was the son of the late Dominic and Louise (DeSantis) Tripoli. He was predeceased by his wife Carmela (Laratonda). Brother of the late Daniel, Ralph, Joseph and Anthony Tripoli and Jennie (Tripoli) O’Neill; brother-in-law of the late Daniel Laratonda, Lena Laratonda, Mary Bonenfant, Rose Messina and Louise Peters. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Laratonda of Haverhill; nephews and nieces, Gene, Jimmy and Donnie O’Neill and Lori Ann, Paul and Richard Tripoli; godchildren, Donna Graham and Annette Ardizzone, Susan Skolski, Christine Sirois, Gary and Wayne Peters; and the late Marguerite Deminski; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.
At his request, there will be no calling hours. Tripoli will be laid to rest with his wife Carmela at a private burial service for family at Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, Friday morning, Sept. 29, at 11. Arrangements are by the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes, Haverhill and Bradford. Donations in his memory may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Bldg. 8, Lawrence, MA, 01841. The family wishes to thank the dedicated nurses and aides of the Pentucket Unit at Hannah Duston Healthcare for their care.