Samuel Polverento

Although Samuel Polverento experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer, there was nothing that he loved more than being surrounded by his loved ones. He was driven, dedicated, and hardworking in whatever task lay before him, yet he also knew the importance of having fun along the way, too. Sam was blessed to find his true companion a bit later in life with whom he witnessed his family tree blossom to include the generations who were his greatest source of pride and joy. The way before him was not always easy, but Sams courage and strength were an inspiration to all who knew him. The memories he leaves behind will be lasting treasures for generations to come. The year 1941 is often remembered as the year that the reality of war landed on our doorstep with the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor. After that historical day President Franklin D. Roosevelt was left with no choice but to declare war the very next day on December 8, 1941. It was just prior to this eventful time in our nations history that a young couple from South Haven, Michigan, couldnt have been happier as they were blessed with the birth of a heathy baby boy on June 13th. Samuel Anthony was the older of two children born to his parents, Samuel Michael and Theresa (Ignelzi) Polverento, and he was raised in the family home alongside his younger sister, Ida. His father worked at the local piano factory while his mother was a busy homemaker. For the most part Sams upbringing was a reflection of his generation. His family attended St. Basils Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy. Sam liked going to the beach and was a talented athlete who played Little League baseball for several years. Even as a young boy he was very meticulous and kept busy building model cars and airplanes that actually flew. Sam had a lifelong love and appreciation for music despite never playing an instrument. While still in high school his love for music carried over into the job he had as a disc jockey at the local AM radio station. Sam was a student at local schools including South Haven High School where he was a member of the baseball team. After graduating from high school he continued his education and became an x-ray technician. As a young man Sam was drafted into the United States Army in 1963. He spent two years working as an x-ray technician in an Army hospital in Virginia. With his military duties fulfilled Sam returned to South Haven. He secured employment in Chicago during the week, but the weekends always found him back in South Haven. Life was forever changed for Sam when he met a young woman named Cherie Wuthenow. After dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love and became husband and wife in 1968. Together they welcomed their son, Gerry, in 1969, their daughter, Gina, in 1971, and their son, Greg, in 1976. The Polverento family moved to the West Michigan area while the children were still young. No matter where they were living Sam always worked hard as an x-ray technician to support his family. Although his marriage to Cherie ended in divorce shortly after Greg was born, he was forever grateful for the children they shared. After several years Sam was able to gain custody of his children, and they lived in various places around the Muskegon area. New and exciting changes were in store for Sam when he met the woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. She was a nurse named Lois Marvin, and they met while working at Muskegon General Hospital. Lois was a single mother with adult children, and as she and Sam got to know each other better, their families began blending into one family very well. Sam married his sweetheart on Christmas Eve in 1984. Lois stepped in to assist Sam in raising his children. Throughout his life Sam was a man of many interests. His passion for music remained, and he had a great sound system in his house including speakers that he built himself. Doo-wop music was particularly his favorite, but he really loved music of all kinds. Going to concerts together was something that Sam and Lois enjoyed doing. Sams family appreciated his superb cooking skills with Italian dishes from his heritage being among his specialties. For several winters he and Lois left the cold and snow of Michigan behind to spend their days along the Gulf Coast of sunny Florida. For several years Sam struggled with some health challenges. He developed diabetes and also suffered with COPD. Sam remained active for as long as he could, but his health issues eventually forced him to retire in the late nineties. He and Lois were able to take a memorable trip to Italy in 2001 where he made some of the memories he cherished most. During the days, weeks, and months that followed Sams health continued to decline, but he was blessed to have a wife who tenderly cared for him, which allowed him to stay at home even when he was bedridden during the last five years of his life. Lois was also able to get his sugars under control. With a life that spanned times of great change around him, Samuel Polverento was a man of honor, integrity, and unconditional love who treasured his loved ones above all else. He faced every challenge that came his way equipped with a quiet strength as his constant companion. Sam was a man of great wisdom and knowledge who was driven to succeed throughout his life. Although life will never be the same without him here, all who knew and loved him will be forever grateful because of his touch. Samuel A. Polverento died on Saturday, May 11, 2013. Sams family includes his wife, Lois; sons, Gerry (Molly) Polverento of Haslett, Greg (Andrea) Polverento of Dewitt; daughter, Gina Westmoreland of Grand Haven; stepchildren, Kelly Williams of CO, Sharon (Tim) Music of Grand Rapids, Jon Marvin of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Sammy, Michael, Nicole, Kendall, Ryan, Nick, Josh; sister, Ida Hill of NC. Sam was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Fr. Antony Britto officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. Visit with Sams family and friends on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Heartland Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.