Saverio Ciruolo

saverio ciruolo
Saverio “Sam” Ciruolo, 91, of Topsfield, died Sunday, October 15, 2023 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Antinetta (Calitri) Ciruolo, with whom he shared sixty-nine years of marriage. Born in Panni, Italy on July 19, 1932 he was the son of the late Antonio and Michelina (Dattoli) Ciruolo. He was raised and educated in Panni. At the age of 17 he immigrated with his sister, Costanza to the United States on March 10, 1950, settling in Danvers. In later years he brought his remaining siblings and mother to the United States. As a new immigrant Sam was determined to make a better life for himself and his future family. He worked numerous jobs around town, including cleaning cabins on Rt.1, manually setting pins at a local bowling alley in Danvers Square, planting pine trees at the reservoir still growing today, tanning leather at Crease and Cooke Company, cutting grass and picking onions at local farms. Sam's hard work and perseverance gave him the opportunity to start several businesses over the years. Sam opened Sam & Joe’s Restaurant in 1956 along with his late brother-in-law Joseph Calitri. He was also a partner in the former Calitri’s Restaurant with his late brother-in-laws Joseph Calitri and Antonio LaPolla. He owned and operated The Crane River Laundromat in Danversport, Sam greeted all his customers with a smile and a red Twizzler. He felt fortunate to work alongside his family, and customers felt the familiarity of friendship and family in his welcoming establishments. Beyond the hard work of his businesses, Sam was a prolific gardener and his gardens were admired by all. Sam enjoyed beekeeping and shared his sweet honey with friends and family. Sam enjoyed bowling and even appeared on Candlepins for Cash. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, he even traveled to Canada to hunt caribou. He was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith and worshipped at both Saint Mary of the Annunciation and Saint Richard parishes. However, it was in his family where his heart truly resided. A devoted husband, he stood steadfastly by his wife and has served as her primary caretaker for twenty-three years. As a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Sam‘s eyes sparkled with wisdom and mischief when captivating family members with old tales and lessons for the future. He cared deeply for his family and always ended a visit with sage advice, "Be careful on the road." In addition to his wife, Antinetta, he leaves five children, Anthony Ciruolo and his partner Judy Lavoie of Danvers, Lena Madden and her husband Tom of Wolfeboro, NH, Ralph Ciruolo and his wife Denise of Danvers, Nancy Hagar and her husband Mark of Hampden, ME, and Saverio “Sam” Ciruolo, Jr. and his wife Sandra of Danvers, and he leaves behind his seventeen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, his sister Angelina of Danvers and countless in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Sam was predeceased by his sisters Costanza and Maria, his brothers Michele and Joseph, and his daughter-in-law Marian Ciruolo. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 10AM in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Please meet directly at the church. Committal will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4-7PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam’s memory may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share an expression of sympathy with Sam’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.

 

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  1. My heart is heavy with the news of Sam’s passing. So many memories were made at Sam & Joe’s with Sam behind the bar. It was, and still is, my favorite place to go for a “cheese, extra crispy” pizza! Sam knew my whole family, and always asked how everybody was. I’ll always remember one day when I came in, he said “hello Lois”, I cracked up and said, “that’s not my name” and he said, I know, but I like it…so, I was “Lois” from there on out! When I made the decision to move to Georgia, Sam hosted my going away party…I’ll never forget the laughs and good time had while in Sam’s company. Sam & Joe’s is always my first stop when home visiting, and Sam will always be a true legend!
    My sincere condolences to the entire Ciruolo family ❤️
    Alison (Bolduc) Bowers

  2. He was a very generous and good friend to my husband Domenic. I hope you two meet up in Heaven. You will be missed. Rest in Peace 🙏

  3. I’m so sorry to hear of sam’s passing he was such a great man. My thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Sam 🙏🏻

  4. Sam was the ultimate friendly and compassionate man! Sam & Joe’s has always been a staple in my household, as was Crane River Laundromat! The children always loved seeing Sam for thier twizzlers!
    My deepest condolences to the entire family.
    No one deserves to rest in peace more than you Sam, fly high!💔

  5. Sam and his wife were so nice i didn’t really didn’t get to know them personally but I would visit the laundromat from time to time and they always made you feel welcome. As well as going into the restaurant both places were places that are go to places that you always feel welcomed. My condolences go out to the whole family he will be deeply missed . David Dangelo

  6. Sam was a great and wonderful man. I fondly remember hours of conversation while doing laundry when I lived in the Port. His smile and joy were limitless. He made a darn good pizza, too. Rest in peace old friend.

  7. An absolute, “Old World” gentleman. About my father’s age and among the close knit group of businesses in Danversport. What a loss. The end of an era.

  8. My mother and I knew Sam and his wife for years. I will always remember his ready smile and sparkling eyes. He was an amazing gentleman.

  9. To the Ciruolo Family, my deepest sympathies. Sam was a great friend to my Dad, Jack Freeman. He spent many a day at the bar at Sam & Joes, and was a member of the Sam & Joes golf league. Sam was one of the kindest people I have ever met and my Dad considered him a dear friend…I have no doubt they have met in Heaven. May God Bless, and your memories give you Peace.


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