Sam Loizzo

April 21, 1954  -  March 7, 2024

Samuel “Sam” David Loizzo, age 69, passed away due to complications from cancer on March 7, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. Sam was born April 21, 1954 in Kenosha, WI; the son of Samuel B. Loizzo and Louise E. Covelli. Sam married Laura J. Aasen on June 17, 1988 and together they raised Peter and Jessica.

Sam was a dedicated educator at Janesville Craig HS for 32 years. He was incredibly proud of thousands of former students who went on to make an indelible mark both in the Janesville community and abroad. After his retirement from teaching, Sam continued to be involved with the community through his photography business.

As a student at St. Joe’s in Kenosha and at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Sam held various leadership positions. He also served as a member of the Whitewater City Council from 1974-1976, the youngest person to hold the position. Sam was awarded Teacher of the Year for the School District of Janesville. As part of his involvement in union activities, Sam served as a National Education Association delegate and was the president of the Janesville Education Association for one year.

One of Sam’s greatest passions was the game of baseball. A self-described “die-hard” Cub fan, Sam followed every game of the 1969 Cubs season and attended games 6 and 7 of the 2016 World Series when the Cubs won their first championship since 1908. Sam was a fantasy baseball enthusiast winning national competitions in the late 1980s and was an avid collector of baseball memorabilia. Of all his baseball exploits, Sam enjoyed nothing more than road tripping across the country to see new ballparks or attend his son’s games.

A highlight of his life was his second trip to Italy, where he was honored to take engagement photos for his daughter in Florence. The Italian adventure continued to Calabria where he was able to visit the city his ancestors emigrated from.

He was a social butterfly with a larger-than-life personality that endeared him to many. The caring disposition he showed so many close friends could only be bested by the pride and joy that was his family with his son, daughter and grandchildren being the crowning accomplishments of his life, and his marriage to Laura a true source of happiness.

Sam is survived by his wife of 36 years, Laura; children Peter Joseph (Madeline Short) Loizzo, and Jessica Louise (Michael) Delaney; grandchildren, Frederick Samuel Loizzo, Cooper Covelli Delaney, Hallie Marie Delaney (Due in May); siblings, Francis (Richard) Gregorin, Thomas (Linda) Loizzo, Joseph (Jane) Loizzo; in-laws, Claire Loizzo, Artis Aasen, Kristine (Mark) Stauffacher, Eric (Sue) Aasen, Knute (Jennifer) Aasen, Andrew (Cindi) Aasen, Sarah (Danford) Kern; uncle and great uncle of many nieces and nephews and dear friend to many.

Preceded in death by his mother, Louise Loizzo, his brother, Frederick Loizzo and his father-in-law, DeWayne Aasen.

A visitation will be held on Friday March 15, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME, a visitation will be held Saturday March 16, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at CARGILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 2000 Wesley Ave, Janesville, WI with a service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Steve Scott officiating. 

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Janesville Education Foundation.

Website: cfsw.org/eie/Janesville