Samuel Charles "Buddy" Stivala

July 10, 2022

Samuel Charles "Buddy" Stivala, 82, of Dunmore, passed away July 10, 2022, after a brief illness.

Sam was born Dec. 8, 1939, to Lucia Germano-Stivala and Charles Stivala in Dunmore. After graduating from Dunmore High School, class of 1957, Sam enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Yosemite for two years. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, Sam returned to Dunmore and started a business, Stivala's Barber Shop, at Dunmore Corners. Shortly after, he married his lifelong soul mate and best friend, Pauline Luongo-Stivala, on Nov. 16, 1963. The couple had two sons, Michael Stivala and Dr. Charles Stivala.

Sam's barber shop was a popular fixture in Dunmore during the late 1960s, '70s and early '80s. During this time, Sam also started working as a boxing trainer and corner-man. He worked with several local and nationally known boxers including Dunmore's Paul Simonetti, a heavyweight who fought on the undercard of the Ali/Frazier fight at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971. Sam spent most of the later 1970s supporting his family working in the barber shop by day and attending the University of Scranton at night. He graduated with a degree in social work and shortly thereafter began working at the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging as a caseworker. He eventually rose to the position of caseworker supervisor, a position he held until his retirement.

Sam's passion for life and love for his family was evident in everything he did. And while some will fondly remember Sam as "the barber," many will also remember him for his passion for cooking. During the 1980s, Sam became a self-taught, gourmet Italian cook. He appeared in local newspapers, as well as on television and radio, many times to share his signature recipes and cooking techniques. And while he started a catering company, "Stivala's Festival Catering," for the most part Sam's passion was in cooking for those he loved. In fact, many of his neighbors and friends will fondly remember him and Pauline delivering batches of homemade sauce and cannoli during the holidays. He even wrote a cookbook titled "Fine Italian Cuisine," but instead of publishing it, Sam decided to give it away to his friends and members of his family.

In addition to his cooking, Sam's loved ones will cherish memories of his warm smile, gentle humor and love of randomly bursting into song. Sam was also passionate about the New York Yankees, classic movies, his community and his Italian heritage. He was a longstanding member, and for a few years president, of the local Sons of Italy Chapter, as well as a lifelong member of St. Mary's of Mount Carmel Church.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Pauline Luongo-Stivala; and his two sons, Michael Stivala and Dr. Charles Stivala. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Charlene Comtois; his nephew, Jeff Comtois; and by his two granddaughters, Marlessa Stivala and Olivia Fazekas-Stivala. Also surviving are several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

A viewing will be held Thursday, July 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Morell-LaBelle Funeral Home, 301 Chestnut St., Dunmore. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 15 at St. Anthony's of Padua Church in Dunmore.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy consider making a donation to SS. Anthony and Rocco Parrish in Dunmore.