Samuel J. Appoloney

Published in the Greater Niagara Newspapers from 12/23/2008 - 12/25/2008

Samuel J. Appoloney, 94, of Niagara Falls, NY, died on Sunday, December 21, 2008 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born in South River, Ontario, Canada he was the son of the late John and Teresa (Pinelli) Appoloney.

Sam came to the Niagara Falls area as a young child with his family. He attended local schools, graduated from Niagara Falls High School and later attended Niagara University where he was a member of their football team.

During World War II he served in the U.S. Army with the 736th Ordinance Light Maintenance Company from October 2, 1942 until his honorable discharge on December 25, 1945. He was involved in the campaigns of Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland and was awarded an American Service Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal.

Sam worked as a construction laborer for various contractors in Niagara Falls. In his younger years, Sam excelled in athletics and played semi professional baseball in Niagara Falls, as well as basketball for various local teams. Sam also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and horse racing.

Mr. Appoloney was predeceased by six brothers and five sisters, Joseph, Frank, James, John, Peter, Louis, Mae, Anna, April, Rose and June. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Penny (Mark) McMahan-Adams of Lewiston, NY, Ronald Appoloney of Niagara Falls, NY, Peter (Faye) Appoloney of North Carolina and John (Lucy) Appoloney of Rochester, NY; as well as several other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Saturday, December 27th from 9 – 11:15 AM at the M.J. COLUCCI and SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD., NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin at 11:15 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY.

Interment with Military Honors will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Niagara Hospice, Inc., 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.

Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for on-line guest register.