Obituary of Salvatore "Sam" Evola

Sam Evola of Amhertsburg, Ontario passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 28, 2017. He was 79. Samuel Evola was born in Cinisi, Sicily on December 18, 1937. He was the son of Giovanni and Rosalia (Cucuru) Evola. At the age of twelve his family moved to Canada seeking a better life. He would attend St. Angela’s School in Windsor. Sam left school in the tenth grade to attend trade school. Soon thereafter he began a career in the construction industry. Sam moved to Michigan in the early 1960’s after meeting the love of his life: Christine Badalamenti, whom he would marry on August 5, 1961 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe. Sam supported his family as the owner and operator of S.E. Drywall for many years, performing all types of work from drywall, to insulation, and painting, and building homes. First and foremost, Sam was devoted to his family. He was in the words of his sons, “the finest example of being a man”, teaching them the importance of marriage, hard-work, and caring for others. He was generous with all he had and always willing to share. Sam was very determined when he set his mind to a project. He believed in respect, honor, and loyalty. Sam was a member of St. Joseph Church in River Kinard, Ontario. He enjoyed gardening, yardwork, and thoroughbred horse racing which over the years he had the opportunity to help train. His passing was preceded by his parents. To cherish his memory, he leaves a beloved wife Chris of fifty-five years; four sons: John (Eileen) of Sylvania, Manny (Melissa) of Temperance, Sam (Stacy) of Ida, and Rick (Peggy) of Hillsdale; six siblings: Joe (Beatrice), Ben (Sheila), Russ (Mandy), Jack (Jane), Josie (Dino) Muzzati, and Sandra (Jim) Pittam; a brother-in-law: Ben Bullock; ten grandchildren: Samuel, Christopher, Matthew, Derek (Kim), Alicia, Hunter, Maria, Josh, Samantha, and Ashley (John). Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Friday, February 3, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at St. Mary Parish, 127 North Monroe with Father David Burgard officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial. Memorials for those who desire are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.