Sam Michael Rinaldo, 89, also known as Samuel and Salvator, of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully, on June 21, 2018, at Alden Debes Subacute Unit. The son of Joseph and Lillian (Parrovecchio) Rinaldo-Scalise, he was born on July 27, 1928, in Rockford, IL, where he attended school. He served in the Navy from 1945-47 in Seattle, WA, where he trained and mastered his skills as a proficient baker. Sam married Isabel “Liz” Ignaszewski in 1948, in Spokane, WA, and together they had 4 children.

He owned and operated Sunny Boy Bakery in Rockford for 30 years, where he was appropriately known to many of his customers as “Snuffy”, and “Sam the Baker”. He was a friend to all, and affectionately coined the phrase, “Hi Cuz”! The bakery became a family business, and in later years, Sam shared the business with his son, John. Sam created the incredible recipes for his famous Italian breads and rolls, as well as pizza crusts, unmatched by no one. His sheet pan pizzas were also in high demand, and enjoyed by so many. Traditional Sunday family meals were not complete without stopping by his bakery first for fresh baked, and often times, hot breads.

Sam loved to swim, and enjoyed so many lake, pool, and river activities with his family, but especially his grandchildren. He had always wanted to experience a river tubing trip, and did just that with his Arizona family, celebrating his 70th birthday. Birthdays were very important to him, and throughout his life he made sure to always make calls, singing “Happy Birthday”, and sending cards that usually contained “new money”, which was his trademark gift. He was delighted to play a game of pinochle with his family, and even happier if he won!

Dancing was also one of his passions, and you could always find him on the dance floor at festive occasions he attended with his family. Sam was quite the “Candy Man” too, and gifted others, especially children, frequently with his bag of treats. Additionally, he was a favorite with all of the family pets.

Sam was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, and watched their games faithfully. Needless to say, we were so thrilled for him when the Cubbies finally won the World Series, and grateful that he could experience the Championship when he was well.

He was truly an extraordinary father to his children: daughters, Lil (Ken) Kruger, Chandler, AZ, Louise (Phil) Cicero, Mesa, AZ, Connie (Jack) Benson, Roscoe, IL, and son, John (Kathy) Rinaldo, Rockford, IL. “Nano Sam” is lovingly and fondly remembered by his 10 grandchildren: Tina (David), Jennifer (Scott), Shelly (Ronn), Christopher (Tina), Paul (Shannah), Lisa (Brandon), Sam (Sasha), Kristi (Scott), Stacie (Mark), and Michael (Kasha), and…. 20 great-grandchildren: Karli, Ronni, Madilyn, Gavin, Philip, Jackson, Kaitlyn, Charlie, Brooke, Joshua, Jacob, Blake, Ellie, Max, Carter, Riley, Owen, Cash, Chase, and Johnny. He “Loved You All”! Sam is survived by his 2 brothers: John (Bev) Rinaldo, Loves Park, IL, Jack (Pat) Rinaldo, Rockford, IL, sister-in-law, Melba Rinaldo, Mesa, AZ, and brother-in-law, Don Watters, Mundelein, IL, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his special Godchildren. His single greatest love was for his family. He never stopped giving of himself to others with his loving and generous heart. Smiles & laughter were abundant in his presence. Preceded in death by parents, brothers: Tom, Benny, Frank, Larry, and sister, Claudia.

The family would like to thank the staff at Alden Debes Subacute Unit, especially, Becky, Judy, Ray, Benita, and Jasmine for their loving care. They are also grateful for the attentive care from the staff at Heartland Hospice, and in particular, Emily, Christina, Claudine, Marianne, Cori, and Chaplain Joe. In addition, one of Sam’s “earthly angels” was Dr. Mary Brown at Crusader Clinic. Our Dad had a very special devotion to the Sisters of the Poor Clares Monastery in Rockford, IL.

Funeral Mass to be held Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., and visitation from 9-9:45 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson St., Rockford, IL, 61102, with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday, July 27, 2018, 4-7 p.m. at Tony Gasparini Funerals, 6825 Weaver Rd., Rockford, IL, 61114. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to be established by the family. Arrangements by Tony Gasparini Funerals.