Salvatore A. LoRusso, lovingly known throughout the North End as “Chicken Sam,” passed away peacefully at his home on Friday morning, June 19th, at the remarkable age of 102, surrounded by his devoted family. Born on November 10, 1923, in Boston, Massachusetts, Sam was the son of Domenico LoRusso and Emanuela (Gianetta) Contardo, proud Italian immigrants who instilled in him the values of hard work, family, and perseverance. Raised with his siblings - twin brother Nunzio, brother Joseph LoRusso, and sisters Celia and Carmella LoRusso - Sam carried those values with him throughout his long and meaningful life.

A lifelong Boston resident with deep roots in the North End, Sam was a familiar and beloved figure in the community. For more than 75 years, he worked as a poultry processor, first on Fulton Street and later in Boston’s Chinatown. His dedication, work ethic, and friendly personality earned him the respect and admiration of coworkers, customers, and neighbors alike.

Family was always at the center of Sam’s life. Together with his beloved first wife, Hazel “Dottie” (Campbell) LoRusso, he raised eight children: Celia Plagenza and her husband Joseph of East Boston, Karen Cavallo and her husband Carmen of Revere, Suzanne Hemsthapat and her husband Mac of Thailand, Thomas LoRusso and his wife Janice of Brockton, Phyllis LoRusso of Revere, Doreen McWade and her husband Chuck of Winthrop, and John LoRusso and his wife Allison of Boylston. He went on to marry the late Deborah (Fawcette) LoRusso who he was devoted to for 50 years of marriage. He also mourned the loss of his son, Domenic A. LoRusso. Through every joy and hardship, Sam remained devoted to his family, whose love and support were the greatest blessings of his life.

Outside of work, Sam enjoyed spending time with his family above all else. Sam especially enjoyed spending time with his devoted great niece Nicole Baldassarre, her husband Albie and her family, who he loved dearly. He was an avid Red Sox fan and cherished his nights watching games with his grandaughter Maria. He was known for his sharp sense of style and always looking his best. Sam enjoyed shopping and took great pride in his wardrobe and shoe collection. His shoes and shirts always matched. He also took great pride in his car and many people would recognize Sam driving around Boston with many decorative chickens in the window, and his plate number “SAM555.” Every weekend he would drive to New Hampshire to attend flea markets.

Even in retirement, Sam remained active, spending time helping at his family’s laundromat, where he became a familiar face and friend to countless members of the neighborhood. His warmth, humor, and genuine kindness made him well known and deeply loved by all who knew him. His legacy is one of hard work, devotion to family, and a life well lived. He witnessed more than a century of history and touched the lives of generations of family members, friends, and neighbors. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Sam leaves behind his loving children, 19 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews who will forever treasure his wisdom, stories, and unwavering love.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 25th from 4 to 7 PM in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Leonard Church, Hanover St., in Boston’s North End on Friday, June 26th at 11 AM followed by interment at St. Michael Cemetery, Roslindale. Those wishing to attend mass should go directly to the church on Friday morning.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made in Sam’s memory to the Mass General Cancer Center at 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114.