Samuel J. Cariano

To know Samuel Cariano was to love him and be loved by him. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he faced every challenge with a spirit of fierce determination. 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.

The early 1950s are remembered as some of the most influential years for the United States. The economy was thriving following the end of WWII just a short time before, 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 awaiting the arrival of their third child with breathless anticipation. On August 6, 1952, they welcomed their son, Samuel, into the world.

Throughout his childhood, Sam was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home on the Southeast side of Grand Rapids alongside his six siblings, Nick, Bill, Angie, Theresa, John, and Fred. As a boy, Sam enjoyed hanging around Reeds Lake and had a love for animals, especially frogs, turtles, and salamanders. He attended St. 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 helped out. Sam would sometimes 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. Once the family settled back in Grand Rapids, he went to Catholic Central High School. Sam didn’t love school, but he had a knack for making friends and won best dressed by wearing his brother’s clothes. During high school, he worked at a party store and at a Baskin Robbins. Sam graduated from Catholic Central in 1971, then went on to pursue further education at Grand Rapids Junior College and later Aquinas College for a couple of years. He ended up leaving school behind to begin working for Oven Fresh.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Sam as 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.

Of all the things Sam loved in life, he 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 would go on daddy-daughter hayrides together every year. Sam never missed one of Devin’s equestrian events or activities, and he was her biggest supporter. He also strove to provide for his family, working for Fox Beverage Distributing while Kay worked for Old Kent Bank. Sam became an uncle to several nieces and nephews. He always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Sam pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He liked golfing and all kinds of fishing. Sam was an avid fan of Notre Dame football, and he enjoyed birdwatching. His favorite music was classic rock. Sam liked collecting antiques, and he 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 both his unwavering strength and 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. His insatiable zest for life could be felt by everyone around him. 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 Aug 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.