Sam J Trichilo's Obituary
Sam Trichilo born January 29, 1926, left this earth on October 27, 2023, at the age of 97. He leaves an enduring legacy of achievement and compassion and his loss is deeply mourned by all who knew him, his friends and family. He was the second youngest of eight children (Clara, Mary, James, Josie, Joe, Rosie and Charles, all deceased) from a family of first-generation immigrants. His father supported his family by working in coal mines, factories, and dye houses. Sam enlisted in the Civil Air Patrol as a teenager, and later in the United States Army, where he was assigned to post-war Germany after World War II. There he met his bride and lifetime companion of 77 years, Charlotte “Lottie” Hartenfels. Sam and Lottie loved socializing and their presence was always a welcomed addition.
Sam served the United States Army Air Corps and later the United States Air Force for more than 30 years. He advanced from private to Sergeant, and was later able to attend OCS. He served his Country during the peak of the Cold War in multiple assignments, in the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, Korea and retired as a full Colonel. After retirement he was active in the Retired Air Force Officers Association, and started his own business installing security and sound systems, that he ran successfully for many years.
Sam and Lottie had one daughter, Nenette, (born November 26, 1958) who tragically passed away September 5, 2020. Sam is survived by his wife, Lottie, two grandchildren, Jonathan and Tiffany, his son-in-law, John Sause, and 3 great grandchildren, Johnny, Athena and Jessie and many nieces and nephews. Their love and admiration and many memories of Sam will endure.
A graveside service will be held on November 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven, 1400 S. State Road 7, North Lauderdale, Florida, 33068.
Arrangements are entrusted to Alexander-Levitt Funeral & Cremations, 8135 W. McNab Road, Tamarac, FL.
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