(http://www.vtgrandpa.com/photos/albums/forum_photos/sam_mucia_obit.jpg)
SAM M. MU7CIA
AUBURN, NY - Sam M. Mucia, 87, affectionately known as "Tut," of 14 Willard St., Auburn, died Monday, April 27, 2009, surrounded by his loving children. A native of Auburn, Sam graduated from Auburn schools, and later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Auburn Community College. As a sergeant, he served as a medic in the Army Air Corps in World War II, during its inception in North Africa in 1942, through the heart of the air wars waged from Italy, until its completion in 1945. Sam was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council 207 and the Sons of Italy. He was a lifelong and active communicant of St. Francis Church, where he served as a member of the Parish Council, Finance Committee and as an usher. He was a very active participant in the annual bazaar in August, honoring the Blessed Mother. Sam, with his late wife, the former Mary Morabito, and her family, owned and operated Ideal Cleaners. He also taught clothes pressing in the Auburn Correctional Facility, and was well-known for being a skilled bartender at the Osborne Hotel and later the Auburn Inn. The son of the late Michael and Rosina Durante Mucia, Sam is survived by two sons, Michael Mucia, of Cayuga, and Mark Mucia and his wife, Deborah, of Vermont; two daughters, Marianne Ferguson and her husband, David, and Margaret Burnett and her husband, James, all of Auburn; nine grandchildren, Tom, Michele, Dustin, Greg, Jill, Meghan, Molly, Lindsey and Andrea; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Connie Fantasia, Millie Adamo and Rosemarie Ryan; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Mary; Sam was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and John "Jake" Mucia; and sister, Sadie Malandruccolo. Friends are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian burial to be offered by the Rev. Eugene Dobosz at 10 a.m. Friday, in St. Francis Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, at the Cheche Funeral Home Inc. Contributions may be made in memory of Tut to the Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn, NY 13021; or to Matthew House, 43 Metcalf Drive., Auburn, NY 13021. Sam"s compassionate ways were demonstrated in every aspect of his life; whether he was comforting a friend at a funeral or simply helping someone at Ideal Cleaners. Sam"s enthusiasm, fierce dedication to a cause and boundless energy were bolstered by his belief in physical fitness and his belief in it was bolstered by his devout spiritual fitness. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=6558541735155 (http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=6558541735155) and click on obituaries.