Mr. Samuel J. LaPolla, 60, of Utica, entered into eternal life on Monday, November 30, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center after a long illness. He was born and educated in Utica, the son of the late Samuel and Mamie Rinaldi LaPolla. On September 25, 1981, Sam married Maria Ferrio in St. Agnes Church, a blessed union of 28 years. Outside of his rough characteristics, Sam was truly a very loving and giving person who would take the shirt off of his back for anyone. He was employed by the New York State Department of Transportation as a truck driver and dispatcher, retiring in 2001 due to illness. Sam was a communicant of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, a long time member of the CSEA Union and was a devout Yankee fan. Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Maria; his son, Samuel P. LaPolla, at home; his aunt and godmother, Eleanor Dudek; his uncle, Anthony LaPolla, Frankfort; his in-laws, Anthony and Sylvia Carlo, Sauquoit; and several nieces and nephews, especially Carlo Jay Cardarelli and wife, Maribel, and their children, Carlo Jay, Jr., Cara, Alex and Devin, of West Palm Beach, FL. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Rosemarie Cardarelli and Angela Rescigno. His canine "best friends", Mia and Chino, will truly miss him. Sam's family extends their appreciation to the nursing staff of the ICU at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their dedication and compassionate care. Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bentz & Amodio Funeral Service, Inc., 470 French Rd., Utica/New Hartford. A celebration of Sam's life will take place at 7 p.m. at the funeral home with Father Anthony LaFache officiating. Private interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.