Thomas G. "Sammy" Cartelli Age 69, passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at Silver Cross Hospital. He was born in Joliet on February 7, 1952 to the late Sammy L. and Veronica "Vernie" (nee Kosack) Cartelli. Sammy was an East Side guy his entire life. He graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School and Joliet East High School. It was at East that he initially learned how to weld. A skill he would use throughout his professional career. After high school, he worked locally for Commonwealth Edison. Soon after, he was hired by General Electric to assist in the construction and repair of nuclear power plants worldwide. Sammy traveled the world perfecting his skill while wearing a GE "hat". After taking an early retirement from GE, he returned to his east side roots,. But he was not finished "working". Sammy tended bar at many local bars and establishments, including VFW Stone City Post, Just Judy's Bar and Barolo's Restaurant. Sammy was the happiest riding his Harley motorcycle with his dear friends. He rode in many charity poker runs, raising funds for numerous local charities. As a board member of the Joliet Chapter of UNICO (an Italian American service organization), he founded the annual Service Before Self poker run. After his father's death in 2005, he became the caregiver for his mother and for his beloved sister, Cindy. During these years, he and Cindy were joined at the hip. He cared for her with all the love in his heart. They were true BUDDIES. He was loved and will be dearly missed by many. Preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jerry Cartelli and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Sammy will be sadly missed his two sisters, Diane M. Cartelli (Andrea Wicevic) and Cindy Cartelli; his niece, Avery Cartelli; numerous cousins and many dear friends also survive. Memorial Visitation for Sammy Cartelli will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Joliet on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 4 pm to 7 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM. ALL ATTENDING THE VISITATION AND FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A FACIAL MASK. Private inurnment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Joliet. In lieu of flowers, Memorials to the family would be appreciated. For information (815) 744-0022 or to leave a condolence to the family please visit Sammy's Memorial Tribute page at www.CHSFUNERAL.COM.