Salvatore Traficant

NORTH LIMA - Prayers will begin at 9:15 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Church for Mr. Salvatore Traficant. For 75 years, Sam Traficant embraced the earth with his love for life, strong spirit and grace. On Feb. 1, 2014, our Heavenly Father called him home to live eternally in the arms of Christ!
Sam was proceeded in death by his wife of 50 years, JoAnn Barrett Traficant; his father, James A. Traficant; and mother, Agnes Farkas Traficant.
He leaves a legacy of love and joy through his and JoAnn's five children and spouses and their 12 grandchildren.
His children and grandchildren include Jim and Gwen Traficant with their children, Ashley and Jeremy of Lorton, Va.; Jodie and Mark Zitricki, with their children, Blake of Hudsonville, Mich. and Brooke of Denver; Sherry Iaderosa and her children, Mia and Nina of Canfield; Melanie and Brent Browning and their children, Rachel-Ann and Tori of Springfield, Tenn.; and Ami and Don Elliott and their children, Madison, Carson, Katelyn and Owen of Fort Mill, S.C.
Sam was brother-in-law to Sue Baird of Columbiana, Mary DeCesare of Seminole, Fla., and Tish Traficant of Poland. He leaves behind one brother, Jim Traficant of Poland.
A few had the privilege to call him uncle, many had the joy to call him cousin, and all that knew him had the blessing to call him friend.
Sam lived a full and selfless life, touching all that knew him. His passion for education allowed him to share his love for learning with thousands of children in the Mahoning Valley and beyond. He was a teacher and principal over his life long career as educator before he retired as principal of The Rayen School in 1992.
During his retirement, he spent endless hours with his children and grandchildren, traveling the United States, and sharing in his love of nature through fishing with his children and grandchildren. He was an active board member of the retirement community, in which he lived part of the year in Largo, Fla., where he served as activities director for several years.
Sam attended St. Mathias School and graduated from Wilson High School with the class of 1956. He continued his quest for higher education by attending Youngstown State University. He then went on to earn a Master's degree in Education from Westminster College in Pennsylvania. He used his gained wisdom as a teacher at Hayes Elementary School and Science Hill. He later became principal of Volney Rogers and The Rayen School.
For those wishing to join in the celebration of Sam's life, viewing hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel.
The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to help bring awareness to organ donation by making a contribution to Donate Life, a cause very close to Sam's heart.
http://donatelife.net/?/fundraise/samtraficant.
Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this obituary and send condolences.