Samuel R. Nicosia - Walker Funeral Home

After a fierce and faithful battle with cancer, Samuel Rudd Nicosia died peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends, on October 25, 2020. Sam’s life has been one of great productivity and heart-felt service to his family, his neighbors, and his profession. He strove for precision and excellence in everything he did.

He was born January 27, 1965, in eastern New York, where he was raised. Sam came west for college at Brigham Young University, where he studied Electronic Engineering Technology, graduating in 1992. He interrupted his studies to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Seattle, Washington. He went back to school and later received his MBA. Sam’s career began at Novell and he then went on to work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Global Service Center, as an IT Support Team Manager. His employment at the church blessed him with many lifelong, treasured friendships.

Sam married Sharleen Peel, who has been his beloved wife and best friend since their marriage in the Manti Temple in 1989. Together, they welcomed their sons, Tyler and Wyatt, into their family. Sam loved his boys and always supported them in all their endeavors.

Sam loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time with his family camping, riding four-wheelers and motorcycles. He was a fiercely competitive board game player, he loved wood working and enjoyed doing projects around his home.

Sam served in various church callings throughout his life. Perhaps his most exemplary service, however, came after his cancer diagnosis as he endured many operations and treatments with great faith, patience, and dignity. Members of his family, stake and ward have been blessed and uplifted by hearing Sam’s ever deepening testimony of the Savior.

Sam is survived by his wife, Sharleen; his sons, Tyler and Wyatt (Jadyn); his parents, Sam and Shirley; his sisters, Tina (Daniel) Hatch and Stephanie (Tom) Phelps; mother-in-law, Bonnie Peel; sister-in-law, Pam (Terry) Rigby; brother-in-law, David Bailey; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Thomas Peel; and sister-in-law, Suzanne Bailey.

A viewing will be held Thursday, October 29, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 30, 2020, at the Knoll Park Chapel, 160 South 460 West, Salem, Utah, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing, prior, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Salem City Cemetery.

The family expresses our deepest appreciation to Dr. Sean Henderson, Dr. Garry Miller, and hospice nurse, Nancy, for their love and compassionate care.

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9 Condolences for Samuel R. Nicosia

Condolences(9)

Ron Ulloa says

October 27, 2020 at 2:20 pm

I first met Sam when I joined Novell in 1996. We both were in the same support team and he helped me come up to speed. I was able to see him again as I also joined church employment.
Since I live in American Fork, he mentioned to me that Wyatt was a police officer in AF. We always talked about our families and how proud he was of his boys.
I always appreciated his friendship and his good nature. I will miss calling him “Sammy.”
I am very sorry for your loss and pray that your family will be comforted by the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
-Ron Ulloa

Jim and Norma Brookes says

October 27, 2020 at 3:23 pm

We were sorry to read about the passing of Sam. He and Sharleen were great friends and neighbors to us. We were sad when they moved to Salem. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Sharleen, Tyler and Wyatt. May you feel the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Wendi Preece Bryner says
November 1, 2020 at 4:09 pm

My heart is saddened at Sam’s passing. Growing up in the Albany NY area brings a unique bond. Even though I was younger than him, Sam reached out, befriended me, helped me find a job during a summer before college and was just fun to hang out with. I was grateful for his calmness, kindness and sense of humor. I remember when he met Sharleen and how incredibly happy he was to find her and excited to be a family. He is one of the quiet giants who are able to lift all those around them. My love, prayers and hopes for peace I send to you.

Doloris (Logan) Kusmierz says

October 27, 2020 at 7:12 pm

I have just read about Sam’s passing. Just don’t have the words to express to his family my sympathy for your loss. I mostly remember Sam as a youth in the Albany Ward eastern, NY back in 1982. He was in my seminary class with his glowing smile full of life, love and testimony. From Sam’s obituary he’s life was full. May I express my deepest sympathy and love to his entire family.

Rachael Kennington says

October 27, 2020 at 10:13 pm

Nicosia Family-
I am truly saddened by the passing of a one of a kind individual! I had the honor of working with Sam at the GSD. I have many fond memories and experiences that include Sam. He was a wealth of knowledge. He was always willing to help and give to others. He was humble. He was non judgmental. He listened well. He was a private person in regards to his personal life but there was one thing I knew and that was that he cared about his family. When he talked about them he light up. He loved his wife and boys and the time they spent together. He beamed with pride as he talked about the things they enjoyed doing together and you could tell he loved them. Sam was a great support to me as I navigated a new role at work. He was patient and he taught me many things as I watched him interact with those around him. His wisdom and knowledge were much appreciated. His support was priceless. His smile was always on his face regardless of what he may have been feeling as he battled this disease.
May you all find peace and comfort as he did in the knowledge of a Savior. Of a plan that allows for families to be eternal and together again some day. He has left a lasting impact on so many people. May you find comfort in who Sam was and the legacy he has left in the days, months, and years ahead. We will miss you Sam!!!

Jim &Mimi Nicosia says

October 27, 2020 at 11:43 pm

Our condolences to the Nicosia family.

Clare Radz says

October 28, 2020 at 6:24 pm

Prayers to the parents of Sammy. I am so sorry.

Bob Downey says

October 28, 2020 at 10:11 pm

I still remember Sam as one of my original Teachers in the Albany Ward Teachers Quorum. It was my first calling in the Church and Sam, Tony, Phil and Mark were the Teachers Q. They were the best! I will always see his smiling face and willing spirit to do anything asked. I know Heavenly Father has another special one with him now. My heartfelt condolences to “Big” Sam and Shirley and the whole family. He will be missed.

Wendy Conway says

October 29, 2020 at 3:36 pm

I am so sorry to learn of Sams battle with cancer and passing away. He must’ve gotten sick about the time I left the GSC on medical disability as I didn’t know of his Cancer battle. I never worked on his team, but his smile and caring was obvious to any who were around Sam. Just seeing his big smile reminds me of conversations, his laugh, his kindness and concern for the work, but mostly for people! Sending heartfelt condolences to his family.

Samuel R. Nicosia January 27, 1965 - October 25, 2020

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9 Condolences for Samuel R. Nicosia