Obituary of Samuel D. Di Tullo

Samuel Dominick DiTullo, 93, peacefully left this earthly realm and returned to the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. He was born in Beacon, NY, on April 29, 1925 of immigrant parents from southern Italy. They taught Sam the value of hard work, and he left school during the Great Depression to help support the family. When his country called during WWII, Sam answered the call, as had his four brothers, and he honorably served in the European theatre with the US Army. He returned to Beacon after the war and met his future wife Mary (Haight) Hunt, a war widow with four children. They married, and together, had five more and spent the next 57 years living in a home they bought on Ralph St. in Beacon. Sam worked for and retired from the City of Beacon Department of Public Works. He was also a proud member of Lewis Tompkins Hose Volunteer Fire Department for over 25 years. He was a devoted servant of St. John The Evangelist, Catholic Church, and served as an usher. Sam's impact on his community cannot be overstated. He was fondly known as the “Mayor of Beacon” despite never having run for or having held public office. After his wife Mary’s passing in 2004 he soon adapted to being a “snowbird”, spending the winters in S. Florida with his daughter and husband. There he met the next love of his life, Barbara Harkey. They enjoyed each other’s company and happily stayed together until her untimely passing in November of 2017. Although he adapted to, and loved his days in S.Florida, he missed the rest of the family and longed for tranquil days, fishing or crabbing, on the banks of the Hudson River. He strode this earth endlessly upbeat, a friend to all he encountered. Sam's friendliness knew no bounds of race or creed, there was no prejudice in him. All who had the good fortune to meet him, met a smile. This was a profound expression of his faith and belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ. To all those who knew and loved Sam, be comforted knowing he led a happy and active life. Although his body began to fail in his last weeks, Sam's sharpness of mind never did. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings. He is survived by his nine children, Tom, Evelyn, Bill, Mary, Sam, Don, Linda, Nancy and Carol. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and many great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services held at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church on Willow St., with interment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery. Arrangements are being coordinated by the Joseph A. Scarano Funeral Home. You may post your condolences on their website: scaranofuneralhome.com. Time and date will be posted there when they are known.