Sam Daleo, Sr.

Twelve days before his 102nd birthday, the family of Sam Daleo, Sr., regards his life and longevity with respect and amazement.

As a 19-year-old waist gunner in a B-24 Liberator, Sam said he thought he would not live to see 20 years of age. He flew 25 missions with the U.S. Army Air Corps, bombing strategic targets in Germany and the European theater in World War II. He was wounded, saved a fellow airman, and was headed to the Pacific theater, just as the war ended. His new assignment was fighting fires in the state of Washington.

Having been awarded a Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Airman’s medal, Sam was discharged from the service in 1945. He had bought a 1941 Ford convertible and toured the country a bit, as he headed back to his hometown Beaumont, Texas, and to his Italian immigrant family of Sicilian ancestry.

His father, Giuseppe, and mother, Anna LaMargro, each had children from previous marriages before being widowed. They combined their two families and had three more. Sam was the middle child of those last three, the youngest boy of the brothers.

Sam married Ann Drago Daleo, the daughter of Sicilian immigrants who lived in Port Arthur, and they had three children: Ann Carol, Sam, Jr., and Frances Kay. His second wife, Frances Cary Daleo, had three sons preceding their marriage: John, Dennis, and Mitch, each of whom have children and grandchildren.

Sam worked in his family’s businesses before becoming employed by Sears department store in Beaumont. After retiring from there, he and his wife managed a craft business at Winnie Trade Days for many years. He made wood crafted items, and she crafted needlework and sewn items, to sell. They enjoyed traveling to craft shows and markets and had many friends through those venues.

Sam was a lifelong Catholic, a member of St. Anne’s and, later, of St. Jude’s, both in Beaumont.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Frances; each of his brothers and sisters; his stepson, Dennis Cary; and his daughter, Frances Kay Daleo.

He is survived by his daughter, Ann Carol Daleo O’Burke who, with her husband, John, lives in Kingwood. They have two sons, three grandsons, and two great-grandsons. Also surviving him is his son, Sam Daleo, Jr., who lives in Beaumont, with his wife, Laura. He has one son. Numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and good neighbors enjoyed many years visiting and hearing Sam’s stories.

Caregivers at Lucas Court and Altus Hospice fulfilled a significant role in Sam’s final months of life. The family acknowledges each one with loving appreciation.

A private graveside service will be held at Houston National Cemetery, Houston, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

Sam Daleo, Sr., completed his last mission and has taken flight.