Salvatore J. Geloso

Salvatore J. Geloso, age 88, of Ilion, NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024. Born on November 3, 1936, in Ilion, NY, to the late Vincenzo and Anna (Terras) Geloso, Salvatore was a cherished member of his community throughout his life.

Fondly known as "Sam," he was the beloved owner of Mohawk Valley Florist in Ilion, New York. His passion for his work and his dedication to his customers brought beauty and joy to countless lives over the years. The three most important things in Salvatore's life were his family, his friends, and his beloved flower shop, each of which he held dear and nurtured with unwavering love.

A lifetime resident of Ilion, Sam devoted himself to serving his community through a multitude of organizations. A 61-year member of the Ilion Elks Lodge #1444, he served as trustee and was honored as Citizen of the Year for his significant contributions. Sam's dedication extended to roles in the United Way, Community Club, Lions Club, HCARC, and as a councilman for German Flatts. He was also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Fire Department Company #2, Mohawk Kiwanis, JC's, and IOOB, leaving an indelible mark on the community he loved.

Sam's life was filled with moments of joy and cherished memories. As a child, he loved playing baseball with his best friend and brother, Frank, and as a grandfather, he delighted in playing hide-and-seek with his grandchildren. A loyal fan of the Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees, Sam was also an avid golfer who treasured outings with "the boys." Known for his tireless commitment to his customers, Sam was a man who never said no to anyone in need, embodying a spirit of generosity and selflessness.

Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Dolores; his daughter, Patricia, and her husband, Tim Schumacher; his sons, James Paul, and John Geloso; and his cherished grandchildren, Adam (Kaleena) Waldo, Stacey (Matt) Hood, Nicole Toach, and Justin (Janice) Paul. He was a proud great-grandfather to River-Nicole, Winter-Rose, Vinny, Hannah, Henry, Liam, Jace, and Leilene. He is also survived by his sisters, Joan Conte and Marion Gorman, as well as his sisters-in-law, Luella Geloso and Maureen Clancy.

Sam was predeceased by his parents, Vincenzo and Anna (Terras) Geloso; his son James Geloso, his brothers, Eanus Geloso, Joseph Geloso, and his best friend and brother Frank Geloso; his sisters, Rose Fell, and Julia Robel; his brothers-in-law, Robert Robel, Harvey Fell, James Gorman, and Michael Conte; and his sister-in-law, Genevieve Geloso.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Salvatore "Sam" Geloso at the Church of the Annunciation, located at 50 West Street, Ilion, NY, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 10:30 AM. Father Paul Catena will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sam's name to the HARC (Herkimer Area Resource Center), honoring his dedication to community service and his lifelong commitment to helping others.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home

One of Sam’s favorite quotes to live by was: “If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life."