Portsmouth, NH – Samuel Anthony Socci, 75, of Portsmouth passed away peacefully holding his wife’s hand on August 18, 2022, two days shy of his 76th birthday. He fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Despite his many medical conditions he managed to keep his great sense of humor and positive attitude.
He was born August 20, 1946 to the late Captain Frank Socci and Anona (Cranford) Socci. While his father was serving in the United States Army, he experienced traveling and living in many great places such as Colorado Springs, CO and Germany, before settling in Portsmouth in 1957. He graduated from Portsmouth High School with the class of 1964.
While attending the University of New Hampshire, Sam’s father passed away unexpectedly. He made the decision to leave school and to help his mother run his family’s business, Frank’s Janitorial Service, which he continued for several years. He graduated from the New Hampshire Police Academy and joined the Portsmouth Police Department where he worked as a police officer and formed many strong friendships. He retired after 22 years as a patrol Sergeant . Upon retiring from the police department, Sam and his wife Teri opened Endless Summer Tanning Salon in Portsmouth. They ran a successful business, which he truly enjoyed, for 13 years. Sam was blessed with the gift of gab and he formed friendships with many of his customers. He always had a great joke or story to tell. Sam loved vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC where he would spend hours basking in the sun. He loved Krispy Kreme donuts and great Carolina barbecue.
He was very proud of his Italian heritage and often said Italians were “the first, the last, the most and the best!” He was especially proud to be left handed and to have a left handed grandson, Anthony. According to Sam, everyone knows that “left handed people are the only ones in their right mind”.
Sam was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 47 years, Teri, three daughters Misty (Peter) Aikens, Amanda Socci and Christina Socci, and grandchildren Nicholas, Peter, Mikayla, Olivia and Anthony. He is also survived by his brother Frank (Elda) Socci and sister Marea (Robert) Kerrigan.
Teri would like to thank Beacon Hospice (especially Renee, Nicole, Tonya and Sandy) for the great care they offered Sam, best friend Patty Karas for all the love and support, and daughter Christina and grandson Anthony who helped out tremendously with Sam’s care and made it possible for him to continue living in his home. She is eternally grateful!
Sam always talked about how much he loved his grandmother’s chocolate cake and we hope he is having it for his first heavenly birthday. We didn’t want him to leave us, but we know he is no longer suffering. Life is short. Always remember to let your loved ones know how much you love them before it’s too late!
Sam was recently honored for his years of service on the police department by Beacon Hospice. Many of his friends and former coworkers attended and Sam was very happy to see everyone! A celebration of Sam’s life will be held at a later date.
Sam, we’re not 24 anymore! “When will I see you again?”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation by clicking here.
Terry Risden says
Dear Terri , sorry to hear Sam passed away…..
No more suffering, he was a strong man.
May you find peace, All my Love and sincere sympathy to you and your children 🙏…
Terry Risden.
Colleen Barrett says
Teri,
My sincere condolences to you and your family at the loss of Sam.
Although I have not seen him in a few years I will always remember him as a funny and genuinely nice person.
May he rest in peace,
Colleen Cullen Barrett
Shelly Todd says
Aunt Teri,
We are all so sorry to hear about Uncle Sam passing. Mom(Pat) and Dad (Ron) as well as Tammy and I send you all love. So many, many happy memories of Dad and Uncle Sam at the police dept and “stopping in to eat” at the house when we were little. He was a truly great man! Love Shelly (Smith) Todd
Nancy Lynn Gallagher/Henson/ Tucker says
My sincerest sympathy to Sam’s family. It’s obvious that he made a success of his life on this little blue marble. He left behind thousands of wonderful memories to family and friends alike… that spells success.
I haven’t seen Sam since high school and it seems impossible that kids ( haha) in PHS class of 1964 could be old enough to get off this fast moving train… but, alas, it is coming to be our time for departure. May God bless Sam and his loving family… until we meet again.
Dennis (Sue) Cilley says
Teri,
Sam was one of a kind for sure. He will truly be missed by all his police Brothers and friends. R I P Sam and keep an eye on us down here.
Jerry and Carol Hinton says
To a great cop and a great frend.
Sam, you’ll be missed.
Rest In Peace Buddy.
Terry we send our love.
🙏💙🙏
Phil miles says
My condolences to everyone I worked with Sam quite a lot we had Too much fun.
Jim Pappaioanou says
Teri and family, I am very sad to hear that Sam passed away. He was always one of the good ones.
May his memory be eternal.
Bob Carbone says
Teri- my condolences to you and your family. Sam was a kind man and I am grateful for the impression he left on me as a young police officer. I am one of many who will never forget him
Don and Gloria says
Teri, Gloria and I have been thinking about you and Sam especially since his tribute at Prescott park. Please accept our heartfelt condolences..
Ronald I Brigham says
Rest in peace, Sam. I’ll never forget your “Rubber Face”. You were the best?
Tom Grella says
Teri, I am so sorry to hear about Sam’s passing. He was a mentor of mine at PPD. I loved sharing stories of our Italian heritage and had many laughs with him. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
William copeland says
Remembering all the good times we had while working together on the Portsmouth PD.Our condolences to the family. “Cope”and Patty
Ray Labrie says
One of the nicest men I have ever known. He liked to kid, share a joke and alway wore a sincere smile. One of Portsmouth PD’s best! Thank you Teri and everyone else who worked so hard to let him be in his home in his later days. You are all saints for your efforts.
Sam, rest in peace my brother in blue. It is my hope that we meet up again on a future day.
Paul Famulari says
Terri, Noreen and I were both saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. Sam was one of the first senior officers I worked with, and he was always a wealth of institutional knowledge. Sam had a quick wit and often called me Tony, a name he thought was more appropriate for an Italian than Paul. Sam may be gone but he will never be forgotten.
Paul and Noreen Famulari
Paul Famulari says
Terri, Noreen and I were both saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. Sam was one of the first senior officers I worked with, and he was always a wealth of institutional knowledge. Sam had a quick wit and often called me Tony, a name he thought was more appropriate for an Italian than Paul. Sam will be missed.
Paul and Noreen Famulari
Brian and Sue Newcomer says
Teri: Our thoughts and condolences to you and your family. Sam left a story to tell and a memory for each person that was fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
Tricia King says
Terri, I remember your husband from the tanning salon!! Nice , so friendly and ran a wonderful business!! So sorry for this incredible loss to you and your family.
Sincerely, Tricia King Mikayla J’s Salon