Salvatore V. "SAM" Governale Sam, Sal, Vic, Toto, Hammer Sam was born in Prizzi, Sicily 9/13/1942. He left this life surrounded by his loving and admiring family on June 17, 2022 after a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis . While he never complained as he adapted to his increasing need for supplemental oxygen to accomplish his numerous, unending projects, he regretted not knowing what caused this awful disease. Sam leaves to grieve his loss his wife of 42 years, Marianne (Walsh) and his sons, John and Jeff (Jen) Governale and his beloved granddaughters, Cathryn and Madyson. Survived by his sister, Maria (Ed) Sandstrom and brother, Joe (Mimi) Governale; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded by his parents Frank and Carmela; sister, Antonina; brother Carmen: in-laws, Jack and Marie Walsh; brother, sister-in law Dan and Karla Walsh and sister in law, Kathleen Walsh. In 1956, Sam arrived in the US with his mother and 4 siblings to reunite with his father who had come the year before. Without knowing a word of English, he entered school and began helping out at his uncle's bakery. He later worked at Grants on Collins St. which led to a move to the Westside Grants where he owned and operated the hardware department. After a few years, he expanded to a location across the street and operated Ace Lawn and Vac. In later years he was involved in many ventures including real estate in his favorite place, Gulf Shores, AL. Sam attended JTHS Central, JJC and was the first in his family to graduate from college. He went on to receive his Masters Degree from SIU. While he attended college, he was a teaching assistant and a dorm property manager. After completing his education, he taught high school and at JJC. He was the first person to take paternity leave at JJC. In addition, Sam served in the US Navy, a Viet Nam veteran achieving the rank of EM3. Sam was a founding member of the American Italian Cultural Society and its first president. Sam was an entrepreneur, always up for a challenge and a gathering of family and friends. He lived life simply but was complicated, sometimes rough around the edges but always dedicated, passionate and well meaning. His speeches may not have been eloquent but they always were humorous and heartfelt. He was a mentor to many and had a wealth of knowledge always willing to share, a story for every occasion and a mind that rarely rested. He believed we were all here to help others. He exemplified the American dream. Visitation for Sam Governale will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 3 pm – 8-pm. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from the funeral home at 9:30 am to the Cathedral of St. Raymond for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment and full military honors will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Instead of flowers, Sam would prefer you help someone less fortunate, donate to a charity, plant a garden and take steps to save the earth. Suggested charities: Chicago Honor Flight, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.