Sam Cherone passed away at the Glen Ridge Nursing Care Center on November 2, 2014. He was 86 years old.
Sam was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945 while still in high school. The army let Sam graduate the Jenkins Township High School in 1946 and he then enlisted in the U.S. Army in September. Sam is a proud veteran of World War II, the West Berlin Airlift, Korean Conflict and Vietnam War.
During nearly 30 years of service to the United States Army, Sam rose through the ranks to Master Sergeant then completed Officers Candidate School and was promoted to First Lieutenant. Throughout his military service to our nation, Sam has distinguished himself in combat as a Communications Officer, Communications Engineer and Air Observer where he flew in combat to identify enemy forces. He is a highly decorated soldier who has called Malden his home for more than 50 years. Sam’s military decorations include the: WWII Victory Medal, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Oak leaf Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea, Combat Infantry Badge (two awards), Armed Services Expeditionary Medal (Berlin),Vietnamese Air Service Medal, Vietnamese Staff Service Medal (2nd Class), Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnamese Armed Forces Medal 2nd Class, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Soldier’s Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and 3 Overseas Service Medals.
Sam Cherone was the Grand Marshal at the 2012 Veterans Day Parade, Malden, MA. Over the years , Sam Cherone could always be counted on to assist other veterans. Sam was a fixture at Veterans events and was a staunch advocate for veterans’ services. Sam was a member of the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Company of Massachusetts and past Commander of the VFW Post 69 in Malden.
Sam was an Award Winning Woodcarver. Many works include a Rooster Weathervane at the old firehouse on 167 Pearl Street and the Golden Tornado Lion weathervane at the MacDonald Stadium clubhouse. He has also competed in many international exhibitions.
Sam was the husband of Josephine (Morelli) Cherone. He was the beloved father of Steven Cherone of Brockton, Gregory Cherone and his wife Lara of Malden, Gary Cherone, Michael Cherone of Malden, and Mark Cherone of Billerica. Sam was the brother of Joseph Cherone, Theresa Poremba, Martin Cherone and the late Florence Keen, Josephine Severnak, Louis Cherone, and Rose Greeley. He was the cherished grandfather of 6 grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held from the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home 865 Main Street, Malden on Thursday November 6th at 9:00a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph’s Church 770 Salem Stret, Malden at 10:00a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours are Wednesday November 5th from 4-8p.m. Interment will be in the Veterans section at Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers donations in Sam’s memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans, State House Room 546 Boston, MA 02133.