Samuel A. Rotundo

Samuel A. Rotundo, age 79, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Wynn Hospital with his beloved family by his side.

He was born in Utica, on February 1, 1946, the son of the late Anthony and Petronella Falvo Rotundo and was educated in local schools. On February 4, 1972, he married Joyce “Joy” Howard at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, a loving and blessed union of 53 years.

Sam was drafted in 1966 and briefly served in the US Air Force. He worked as a switchman with the New York Telephone Company for over 30 years until his retirement.

Retirement opened new avenues for Sam to fully enjoy his lifelong hobbies — from model trains, airplanes, and space and astronomy, to vintage cars and antique radios. He absolutely loved everything about radios: listening to old radio shows, building crystal sets, and especially searching for and restoring antique radios. His vast knowledge of old tube radios and his enthusiasm for bringing them back to life led to his second vocation as “The Radio Detective” — a title that suited both his radio repair and restoration business and his old-time radio show, which aired on both short wave and AM. His show featured his favorite artists spanning generations — Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Chet Baker, Charlie Parker —and he always ended each broadcast with Satchmo’s “What A Wonderful World.”

Sam’s love of music was something he shared with his whole family. He played the clarinet as a youth and later took up saxophone, inspiring his children to learn instruments of their own. Sunday mornings were always filled with music, and Sunday evenings brought family dinners rich with conversation, love, and laughter.

Sam also was a skilled ham radio operator and a proud member of the National Association for Amateur Radio. Over the years, he connected with countless other hams using his FCC-issued call sign, WB2KLA, and collected hundreds of QSL cards from around the world. He was gifted at the game of chess, competing in several tournaments throughout his life, and one time hosted a chess grandmaster at his house. Pool and billiards were another lifelong passion. As a teen, he honed his skills at places like Red’s Pool Hall in Utica, and his love of the game continued at Hippo’s House of Billiards, owned by his dear friend Victor Conte. Hippos became a home away from home, where Sam could always count on good friends, good conversation, a cup of coffee, or a friendly game. He also spent time at Ridgewood Market, meeting up almost daily with friends while picking up milk or bread. Sam enjoyed watching sports, especially Major League Baseball and the Yankees, the NFL, and college basketball. He was a voracious reader of history books and a fan of The History Channel. He also loved “The Three Stooges,” a joy he shares with both of his children and his granddaughter.

Sam’s fantastic sense of humor and quick wit are among his most-loved qualities. Always fast with a joke, he brought intelligence, warmth, and laughter to every situation. A master storyteller, Sam could bring any memory to life — from his childhood on Jay Street in East Utica, to his Air Force basic training, early jobs around the city, stories of his parents, raising kids, and his years at the phone company. His storytelling made you feel as if you were right there with him, and he always had the room captivated.

With his vast knowledge and natural gift for conversation, Sam could talk to anyone and made friends wherever he went. He had a remarkable ability to comfort others during difficult times — whether you were dealing with car trouble, a tough day at work, or just feeling down, Sam knew just what to say to help you see what truly mattered. And it always came back to family.

Sam’s greatest love in life was his family. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joy; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Jack Fanelli of Utica; his son, Anthony Rotundo of Schenectady; his cherished granddaughter, Gianna; his sister and brother-in-law, Annamarie and Hon. Judge Anthony Garramone of Utica; nephews Garth, Grant, Devin, and Christian Garramone, as well as more nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dilip Kachare for being a doctor and friend to Sam for the past 20-plus years, as well as the Emergency Department at Wynn Hospital, and the ICU 3W team, especially Jenna Jackson, Ashley Miller, Stephanie LaQuay Hisert, and Dan Gutko, for their compassion and care for Sam and his family.

Visitation will be held on Monday evening November 3, from 5-7 p.m. at The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home, 1122 Culver Ave., Utica. Prayer services will be Monday evening at 7 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation. Private interment will be in the family plot in Calvary Cemetery.

Online sympathy www.scalaroefaro.com

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