Sam's life began January 20, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois.  Sam grew up in Chicago, IL and Watervliet, MI where he graduated high school. He met the love of his life Diane in Chicago.  Sam and Diane married November 20, 1966, they made their home in Chicago until 1972 when they joined Sam's family in Watervliet.  Upon moving to Watervliet Sam went to work at Gast Manufacturing and with his parents running their farm.

Sam was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet.  Outside of work he could be found following his grandchildren to their events or building hot rods with his grandson Dominick.  His greatest joy was his loving family which includes: two children Jeffery (Kristin) Tavolacci of Watervliet and Bridget (Christopher) Prince of Stevensville, grandchildren Nathaniel and Sammy Prince, Gabby, Dominick, and Sophia Tavolacci and their mom Kellie Tavolacci, and Ava Hanko, his girlfriend Cynthia Rittase, and many nieces and nephews.

Sam died Wednesday, August 24, at St. Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, IN.  His parents Lawrence and Anna (LoPresti) Tavolacci and two sisters Anna Coburn and Patricia Franklin precede Sam in death. Friends may visit with Sam's family Sunday, August 28, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and 5:00 to 7:00, with the Rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 29 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet with burial following in North Shore Memory Gardens.  Memorials may be made in Sam's memory to Heartland Hospice in Mishawaka, IN. You are invited to leave a message for Sam's family at hutchinsfuneral.com