Saverio John Amendola

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His love of music was woven into the fabric of his life.

Saverio “Sam” Amendola, affectionately known as “Sonny-Boy” to his childhood friends and family, peacefully passed away on July 13, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born on September 6, 1936, in Yonkers, New York, Sam was the beloved son of John and Angelina (Borelli) Amendola, who immigrated from Italy in search of a better life for their family. He was raised in Yonkers, NY alongside his only brother, Guido Amendola, who preceded him in death.

Sam proudly served his country in the United States Army, completing two years of active duty followed by three years in the reserves, achieving the rank of Corporal.  Shortly after returning home from activy duty in 1962, he met the love of his life, Grace Allegrino.  They were married in 1964 and went on to share almost 62 beautiful years together, building a life centered on faith, family, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another. Their marriage was an enduring example of love and commitment until her untimely demise earlier this year in March 2026.

He is now lovingly survived by his daughters, Dina A. Criss and her husband, James J. Criss, and Dr. Paula Amendola-Sekinski and her husband, John S. Sekinski.

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His warmth, humor, and unmistakable voice will echo in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

His greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren: Samantha Grey and her husband, Rashaun Grey; James Criss Jr.; Shelby Sekinski; and Jake Sekinski. He was also blessed with his treasured great-grandson, Cameron James Grey, whose arrival filled him with immeasurable happiness.

Although Sam held many jobs throughout his lifetime, he will forever be remembered as the legendary singing mixologist at the San Roc Catering Hall in Hastings-on-Hudson, where he spent more than 20 years tending bar and entertaining guests. Patrons didn’t just come for a drink—they came to hear Sam sing. With his rich, unforgettable voice, he transformed an ordinary evening into a memorable performance.

Once each year, alongside Pat Carter’s live band, Sam would headline his own concert at the San Roc venue, drawing crowds from throughout Westchester County who eagerly returned year after year to hear him perform. His love of music was woven into the fabric of his life.

That passion began in childhood, when neighborhood deli owners would reward young Sonny with treats in exchange for a song. As a young man, he studied voice alongside Connie Francis and was even given the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. Overcome by nerves, he never walked onto the stage. While some might have viewed that moment as a missed opportunity, his family believes it led him to the greatest performance of all—the beautiful life he would build with Grace, the woman who became his soulmate and partner for more than six decades.

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Patrons didn’t just come for a drink—they came to hear Sam sing.

Outside of music, Sam had two lifelong passions that never faded. He was a devoted New York Yankees fan whose loyalty spanned generations—from cheering for Joe DiMaggio in his youth to proudly following Derek Jeter and  Aaron Judge. During Yankees games, family plans simply waited until the final out. Thankfully, modern technology and live streaming made it easier for him to catch every inning.

And then there were the horses. Anyone who knew Sam knew of his love for horse racing. He was a familiar face at Yonkers Raceway, and after moving to Florida, he faithfully kept up with the daily races. It became his favorite pastime—and, as his family affectionately joked, “the one vice we happily let him keep.”

Above all else, Sam will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a man whose voice brought joy wherever it was heard. Whether behind a bar, around the dinner table, or simply singing for the people he loved, Sam had a remarkable gift for making others smile. His warmth, humor, and unmistakable voice will echo in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, music, laughter, and family that will endure for generations.