Samuel F. Caiazza

April 3, 1921 to January 6, 2020

Samuel F. Caiazza, 98, of New Castle passed away the morning of January 6, 2020 at Rhodes Estate. Born on April 3, 1921 in New Castle, he was the son of the late Frank and Madeline Vitale Caiazza. Sam had been married to his beloved wife, the former Carrie Fazzone. She preceded him in death in November 1991. Sam was also preceded in death by his longtime companion, Irene Paglia.

Sam was a graduate of New Castle High School. While there he played football and was elected to the New Castle All Century Graduates Team 1900 to 1950. He then attended Youngstown State University where he played on their football team for one year until entering the Coast Guard.
Sam had worked as an engineer for B&O Railroad until he retired. Sam had served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard, as a Seaman 1st Class from 1942 to 1946. He enlisted during World War II and was part of the Normandy Invasion in June 1944.

Sam’s greatest love was playing racquetball. During the 1970’s, he won eight national singles titles and five national doubles traveling to Nevada, California, and Arizona. In 1970, he was ranked the number one racquetball player in the nation. In 1976, he was voted International Racquetball Association Man of the Year. In 1977, he was voted United State Racquetball International Association Man of the Year. Due to Sam’s influence in the sport, in 1971 the International Racquetball Association played their National tournament at the New Castle YMCA.

Sam was also a member of four Hall of Fames. The Lawrence County Sports Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Western Pennsylvania State Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame, and the International Racquetball Association Hall of Fame. With his love of the game and great health, Sam continued to play racquetball until he was ninety years old.

Sam is survived by two step-daughters, Karen Micco and Janice Reinhard, his grandson, Jaime Micco, three granddaughters, Jackie Reinhard, Chelsea Fazzone, Karley Fazzone, one great grandson, James Micco, sixteen nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, wife and companion, Sam was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Joseph Caiazza, six sisters, Angeline Cortese, Frances DiCaprio, Carmella Elisco, Sue Bongivengo, Mary Malinchak, Erma Boron and his step-son, Charles Fazzone.

Visitation will be on Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 941 South Mill St. A Blessing Service conducted by Father Victor Molka, Jr., will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11, at noon at the funeral home. The New Castle Area Honor Guard will perform Military Rites on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Castle View Memorial Gardens.