Obituary of Silvio (Samuel/Sam) DeMichele, Jr.

Silvio (Samuel/Sam) DeMichele, Jr., age 89, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at UPMC-Hamot Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was born on May 21, 1935 at home in Little Italy of Erie to Silvio, Sr. and Eldora Lorenger. Sam’s confirmation name was his grandfather’s first name, Pietro. Sam was a 1953 graduate of Strong Vincent High School then joined the US Navy until an honorable discharge in 1958. Sam’s life’s work was making interior spaces more beautiful. He installed carpet and ceramic tile commercially and privately from childhood to retirement in 1997. Sam enjoyed ceramic tile because of the fine math and creativity it allowed him. Sam bowled all of his life. He had three 300 games and was proud of his 300 ring. He was inducted into the Greater Erie Area Bowling Hall of Fame in 2005. Golfing was his summer hobby. He started late, about age 50, and played 25 years. Sam was married to Hope Buzzard from May 19, 1962 until her death on July 22, 2019. They lived in Millcreek their entire married life. They lived in a house Sam built and a home Hope lovingly made. Sam and Hope were dedicated grandparents to Laura H. and Sarah E. Lariccia and Todd Little, Jr. all of Erie; Samuel H. and Charlotte M. Price of Chicago. They have two daughters: Cheryl D. Price (John); Suzette M. Little (Todd, Sr.); and son, Samuel B. DeMichele, who passed away in 1987. He is survived by a sister, Sara Czarnecki and two brothers, Arnold (Dolores) and Henry (Kathy), and family friend and caregiver Denise Schneelock. Sam and Hope were preceded in death by their parents; sisters and a brother in-law; and a nephew. Sam and Hope were members of various dinner clubs and of Our Lady of Peace Church. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 4 p.m. until 8 pm and are invited there for the Funeral Service on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 10 am. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Billy Simpson VFW Post 470, 1808 West 26th St., Erie, PA 16508 “Honor Guard”, Susie and Todd will match any gifts given.