Samuel Lamendola, resident of Grande Prairie, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, in Grande Prairie, AB, at the age of 75 years.

Sam was born in Curwensville, Pennsylvania on June 6, 1941. His family moved to Buffalo, New York where Sam grew up. He graduated from Kenmore West High School and was an outstanding tennis player. Sam attended Indiana State Teachers college in Indiana, PA and later graduated from Medaille College in Buffalo.

His employment took him many places in the United States, and to the provinces of Ontario and Alberta. Eventually Sam moved to Grande Prairie, where he called home for many years.

He was an accomplished artist and writer. He worked tirelessly with handicapped and special children and adults. Sam had a unique ability to assess people with special needs, and then work with them to better their lives. He was an outstanding cook, and credited both parents for teaching him the art of Italian cooking.

Sam is survived by his brother Robert (Terri) Lamendola of Cape May, NJ, daughter Virginia (Bob) Derrah of St. Andrews, NB, daughter Laina (Brian) Holland of Klamathfalls, OR, son James Lamendola II of Tuscon, AZ, grandson Robert (Aruna) and great-grandson Rook Brennan, granddaughter Samantha and great-granddaughters Sarah and Alyssa Sanders, grandson Thomas Brennan Derrah, grandson Michael Derrah, granddaughter Kaitlyn Derrah, grandson Thomas Holland, grandson Alex Holland, granddaughter Rachel Holland, grandson James Lamendola III, as well as good friends Scott, Rodger, Joe and Darlene.

Sam was predeceased by his parents James and Virginia Lamendola, and his wife Elena Santoro Lamendola.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.