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Samuel J. Cariano

August 6, 1952 - January 14, 2025
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Sunday, January 19, 2025
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Van Strien Creston Chapel
1833 Plainfield Ave., N.E
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 361-2613

Rosary at 4:30 PM

Driving Directions

Service

Tuesday, January 21, 2025
11:00 AM EST
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
224 Carrier St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
(616) 451-3043

Visitation from 10 AM until the start of Mass

Map

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Charity of One's Choice

MI Horse Driving School
6325 Rickert Rd
Saranac, MI 48881
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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To know Samuel Cariano was to love him and be loved by him. Nothing brought Sam greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. His selfless heart allowed him to impact the lives of countless others for the better, and he was a shining example of kindness and devotion to those around him. Deeply loved, Sam will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

In the early 1950s the economy was thriving following the end of WWII and the historical baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time that Thomas and Alice (Poisson) Cariano of East Grand Rapids, Michigan, were anticipating the arrival of their third child. On August 6, 1952, they welcomed their son, Samuel J. Cariano, into the world.

Throughout his childhood, Sam was raised in the family home on the Southeast side of Grand Rapids alongside his six siblings; Nick, Bill, Angie, Theresa, John, and Fred. In his younger years, Sam enjoyed hanging around Reeds Lake. It was here he explored his special love for animals; especially frogs, turtles, and salamanders. while attending Saint Stephens Elementary School. When Sam was a teenager, the Cariano family moved to the Lansing area to open a Tasty Freeze. All of the children pitched in to help out.

It was during these times Sam would hop on the train that ran by their house and take it down to the river to fish. Sam once jumped off the train and ended up with a spike through his foot. He walked home to show his mother, and she fainted. Sam loved fishing, and he had many fond memories of spending summers on Whitefish Lake with his family.

While living in Lansing, Sam attended St. Therese and once the family settled back in Grand Rapids, he went to Catholic Central High School. While Sam didn’t love school, he had a knack for making friends and won best dressed by wearing his brother’s clothes. During high school, Sam worked at a party store and at a Baskin Robbins before graduating from Catholic Central in 1971. Sam went on to Grand Rapids Junior College and later Aquinas College before he began working for Oven Fresh.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Sam when he met the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Kay Schindler, and the two first met at an outing downtown during the holidays. There was an instant spark between them, and over the next two and a half years of dating, their relationship flourished into something truly special. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Sam and Kay were married on June 17, 1978, at St. Paul’s in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon out East before settling down to step into their future together as husband and wife.

Sam loved and treasured his family above all else. He and Kay were overjoyed to welcome their beloved daughter, Devin, into their hearts and home in 1994.

Sam thrived in his role as a father, and Devin was his pride and joy. They went on daddy-daughter hayrides together every year and Sam never missed one of Devin’s equestrian events or activities. He was her biggest supporter.

Sam provided for his family working for Fox Beverage Distributing while Kay worked for Old Kent Bank.

He always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones and was blessed to become an uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Sam liked golfing and all kinds of fishing. Sam was an avid fan of Notre Dame football, enjoyed birdwatching and loved classic rock. Sam collected antiques and was a skilled photographer. He loved spending time in the kitchen and was famous for his Italian meatballs. Sam liked playing cards, especially TONK with a small pot to keep things lively. He and Kay loved getting together with family and friends, and they also enjoyed traveling together. The Cariano family were faithful members of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Grand Rapids.

When looking back on the overflowing life of Samuel Cariano, it is easy to see his unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. A dedicated son, brother, husband, and father, Sam fostered deep and meaningful relationships with those he loved. Though he will be dearly missed, Sam leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

CARIANO – Mr. Samuel J. Cariano age 72, of Grand Rapids, passed away on January 14, 2025. Sam was born August 6, 1952 in East Grand Rapids to Thomas and Alice Cariano. He graduated from Catholic Central in 1971 and worked in the Beer and Wine industry until 2017. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Cariano; brother, Nick Cariano; and in-laws, Melvin (Caroline) Schindler. Sam is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kay; daughter, Devin; mother, Alice Cariano; siblings, Bill (Cindy) Cariano, Angie Cariano, Theresa (Bob) Sorensen, John (Sandy) Cariano and Fred (Brian Olsen) Cariano, sister-in-law, Jan Cariano; and several nieces and nephews. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM, with visitation for one hour prior, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier St NE. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025 from 3-5 PM, with a Rosary at 4:30 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to MI Horse Driving School or the charity of your choice. Celebrate Sam’s life online by sharing your favorite photos or stories on his dedicated webpage at heritagelifestory.com.

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