Samuel J. "Sam" Guariglia, 90, of Vanderbilt, passed away Friday morning, March 31, 2017, in Mt. Macrina Manor, Uniontown.

Sam was born Jan. 11, 1927, in Vanderbilt, a son of the late Nicola and Mary (Perotta) Guariglia.

Sam was a 1947 graduate of Dunbar Township High School, where he played football as a quarterback and both right and left halfback. He also received a football scholarship to WVU.

Sam was a longtime and faithful member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Connellsville, where he often attended Saturday Mass. He was a member of the Emory Lewis Pratt American Legion Post #586 of Vanderbilt and was a retired conductor for the P= Railroad.

Sam was a renowned area golfer and was a member of the Everson VFW Golf League. He was also a talented stone mason; some of his work can be seen at Linden Hall Resort near Dawson and in front of the Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, having served as a parachutist and gliderman with the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 24, 1951.

Sam will be sadly missed by his loving family: His brother, Pat Guariglia of Flatwoods; a sister-in-law, Alice Guariglia; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Julia Spicola; his brother, Anthony "Tony" Guariglia; his sister-in-law, Dorothy Guariglia; and his niece, Tammy Jo Kmieciak.

Personalized arrangements are under the professional supervision of the Ralph E. Galley Funeral Home, 501 Railroad St., Dawson, 724-529-2611, www.fergusonfunerals.com. Family and friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home chapel, where a blessing service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, with the Rev. Father Bob Lubic officiating.

Chapel committal service and interment will follow in Green Ridge Memorial Park, Bullskin Township, with full military honors bestowed by the American Legion Post #586.

Love lasts forever!