Sam Granato's Obituary
1950-2018\r\n \r\n\r\nSamuel Frank Granato, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed from the loving arms of his family through the veil into the waiting arms of his parents, Frank and Edith Granato, and in-laws, Dick and Erveen Wyss, after a valiant two-year battle against cancer.\r\n\r\nSam's life is exemplified by the phrase with which he began every conversation, "Sam here. What can I do for you?" This phrase encapsulates the essence of Sam's life. He was always asking what he could do for you, whether it was in business, with friends and acquaintances, or with the many people he represented in appointed or elected office. Sam was there to serve others.\r\n\r\nBorn in Salt Lake City on May 24, 1950, Sam shared not only a birthday with his paternal grandfather, but also shared his name; Sam was honored to have the privilege of carrying on the family name. From an early age, he learned the value of honest, hard work by watching his parents build their business, Frank Granato Importing Company, from the ground up. Sam carried on the tradition of hard work by making many lifelong friends along the way out of business contacts. He was known for his ability to not only meet the needs of his customers, but to also satisfy the most discriminating customer as well.\r\n\r\nSam learned the value of public service from his father. Frank Granato was known for bringing diverse parties, irrespective of religious or political affiliation, together in the "back room" at Granato's in order to break bread, establish lines of communication, and to build friendships that lasted through the years. Sam also did the same. He served faithfully on many boards, and provided service to fraternal organizations, as well as numerous civic groups. Sam was honored to be elected to the Salt Lake Council in 2012, and he was proud to have run unopposed for re-election in 2016.\r\n\r\nTo every endeavor, he used his humor and people-skills to solve problems and bring all sides of an issue together to a resolve. Whether at his home for large family gatherings, or at the store for the daily lunches, "Mr. Personality" was the center of fun and activity.\r\n\r\nSam is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ann; his four cherished children: Frank, Krista (Mark) Numbers, Alex and David; nine adored grandchildren: Anthony, Preston, Jake, Clayton, Thomas, Mia, Sammy, Sara and Bella; his sister Glenda (George Pence); nephews Matt and John, and niece Gia (Drew) Bicker as well as numerous relatives and friends who all brought joy and happiness to his life, as he did to theirs.\r\n\r\nSam was surrounded by loving family, caring friends and thoughtful professionals as he struggled against this horrible disease. Ann, Frank, David, John and Glenda attended to Sam's needs 24 hours a day. Sam's family was always available for him, as well as friends and neighbors who came to his office and to his store to offer comfort and support. Sam's last words were "Get me out of here!"\r\n\r\nThe family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers at Huntsman Cancer Institute for all their valiant efforts on his behalf. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Huntsman Cancer Institute in order to further their great work and bring a speedy end to this dreaded disease that takes too many lives before their time.\r\n\r\nSam, we loved you! May the angels smile kindly upon you, which they will, and may your heavenly reunion be joyous!\r\n\r\nA gathering will be held Friday May 4th 6: 00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday May 5th from 10:00 to 11:30 AM with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 noon at the LDS Grant Stake House at 3151 South 900 East in Millcreek City. Family and friends may gather at the Redwood Store 1632 South Redwood Road) to celebrate the joy of knowing Sam, following a burial at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 South Highland Drive. Funeral arrangements provided by Neil O'Donnell & Sons Mortuary.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n
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