Sam Vasile

Sam Vasile, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, passed away Dec. 31, 2021. Born Sept. 4, 1933, to Frank Sr. and Rose Vasile in Walsenburg, Colo., Sam was one of six children.

After graduating from Central High School in 1952, Sam joined the U.S. Navy, proudly serving during the Korean War.

He married Patty Dolak, his wife of 59 years, on Oct. 27, 1962, and raised his three children, Kirk, Lori, and Greg in his beloved home on the Mesa.

Sam was a dedicated educator who spent 30 years in Pueblo School District 60 as a special education teacher. He touched many lives and enjoyed keeping in contact with his students through the years. Sam earned a bachelor’s degree from Chico State University in California and two master’s degrees in education from Adams State University.

Sam had an impressive ability to make friends and certainly cherished his dear relatives and lifelong friends.

He was proud of his Italian heritage, making sure each of his grandchildren knew how to make the family spaghetti sauce and the perfect meatball.

One of his favorite hobbies was golfing: He took his sons to the course every Saturday, and at age 83, he was on the winning team of the Italian Invitational in 2017.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Rose Vasile; brothers Joseph, Matthew (Connie), Frank Jr.; sister Josephine; grandson Gavin Vasile; and in-laws John and Elsie Dolak.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Vasile; children, Kirk (Marleine) Vasile, Lori (David) Knuth and Greg (Andrea) Vasile; grandchildren, Kyle (Kathleen) Knuth, Ashley (Victor) Martinez, Sara Knuth, Isabella Vasile, Charles Yonts, Madeline (Chance) Cooper, and Natasha Yonts; great-grandchildren, Emrie, Avery, Bennett, Scarlett, and Corbin; brother Charlie (Shirley) Vasile; honorary brother Robert “Zeke” Kayes; daughter-in-law Loretta Vasile (Joe Howes); brother-in-law Jon (Sandy) Dolak; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends, including his gambling and coffee buddies.

A eulogy will begin at 9:30 a.m. and funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. Jan. 14 both at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1145 S. Aspen Rd. Interment and reception to follow.

Please remember to bring a mask if you plan to attend the mass