Colonel Incontro

On December 6, 2011, Colonel Sam Joseph Incontro USMC (Ret) of Gulf Breeze Florida died after a brief illness in Pensacola, Florida. Sam Incontro was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Andrea and Nunziata Incontro. He had 4 brothers and 2 sisters. While growing up in Omaha, he attended local schools and later attended the University of Wyoming, playing football and hockey. Because of his success at the university he was later named as part of the University of Wyoming Athletic Hall of Fame. While attending the University, he participated in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Program and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps (USMC). This was the beginning of his 31 year active and reserve duty career where he rose to the rank of Colonel. A career that was more of a calling, he was truly everything that embodies a United States Marine. Upon graduation from the USMC Basic School, Colonel Sam was deployed to the Republic of Korea, serving during the Korean Conflict. He served in many different assignments ranging from transportation, infantry, artillery to his final position as the Chief of Staff, 4th Marine Division, Air Wing. His family and friends remember him fondly and with pride when the Colonel wore his uniform and performed his duties in an exemplary manner. In his civilian life Colonel Sam, was employed by the American Road Insurance Company a division of Ford Motor Company for 30 years. There were very few people associated with the Ford Motor Company who did not know Sam. He was an outgoing, friendly individual who made an impression with all throughout his territory. Sam was an exceptional father to his four children, John and Nancy from his first marriage to Patricia and his two beautiful daughters Rene and Lisa with his wife Elaine. Sam truly loved his wife Elaine. They were married 49 wonderful and enjoyable years. Throughout his life Sam and his family lived in several different areas of this Country. In each place he made life long friends. He had several passions beyond his family including tennis, fishing and volunteering. In 1993 Sam and Elaine settled in Gulf Breeze, Florida, they quickly set deep roots in the town. Sam was a parishioner of St. Sylvester Catholic Church where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also became involved in the local American Legion Chapter and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. His pride and joy was his involvement as a volunteer with the Gulf Breeze Baptist Hospital Auxiliary for 12 years. He often spoke of how important this volunteer effort was for him and how much he enjoyed helping the staff and the patients who came through the emergency room door. Along with his wife Elaine and children John, Nancy, Rene and Lisa, Colonel Sam leaves his brothers, Yano and Andy, his sister Lucille his seven grandchildren Sean, Katie, Will, Rob, Max, Samantha and Aspen and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his many special friends. Colonel Sam also leaves behind his trusted dog Bubba. All enriched his life, filling it with joy and love. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Rose Lawn Funeral Home with a Rosary at 4:30 pm. The funeral mass will be at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at St. Sylvester Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze with Father John Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be made to Gulf Breeze Baptist Hospital, 1110 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32562, (850) 934-2000, or online at http://www.baptisthealthcarefoundation.org/

Visitation

Wake

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
5:00 PM

Service

Funeral Mass

St. Sylvester Catholic Church
6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
12:00 PM

Cemetery

Burial

Barrancas National Cemetery
One Cemetery Road
Pensacola, FL