David Thomas "Chooch" Sammataro passed away peacefully Mar. 1, 2026, in Agawam, surrounded by family. Born Fri., May 13, 1938 in W. Hartford, CT, he graduated from Windham HS (CT). He served in the U.S. Army and received his B.A. from UConn. He was a head lifeguard at Misquamicut St. Beach. His Career included specialties in: Electric Boat (nuclear subs), Hamilton Standard (rocket engines), Hampden Co. corrections officer, UMass M.A., Hampden Co. probation officer, decades U.S. Postal Service and decades working at the Big E. "Chooch" was Ma. Boxing Comm. official, longtime Ma. football official, pro boxing judge/official (Sugar Ray Leonard & Mike Tyson Golden Gloves), Holyoke B&G Club Golden Gloves volunteer, Chicopee youth sports coach/supporter; part-time bartender West Springfield VFW and a regular communicant at Sacred Heart Church (Springfield). He was predeceased by his ex-wife, Kathleen Blanchard. He is survived by his soulmate/best friend/caregiver Christine Biseinere, W. Springfield; children: David (Ashleigh), W. Newbury, VT; Michele (Russ), Chicopee, MA; Susan Mika (Rich), Jupiter, FL. Grandfather to Josie, Leonard, Jacob, Julia; godson Michael Blanchard, S. Boston; he also leaves many nieces/nephews. Chooch loved swimming, surfing, dancing, karaoke, hunting, NASCAR, NY Giants, Bruins, Red Sox, Celtics and UConn b-ball. He was a Lifelong pro licensed fireworks tech, a member of: AMVETS #12, Am. Legion 275, K of C 4044 (4th Deg.) and Chicopee Moose Lodge. He always gave his time & funds to those in need. Special thanks to Agawam North caregivers: Yolanda, Vantasia, Ariel, Shirley, Tatiana, Jackie, Dennis. Chooch will be deeply missed & fondly remembered by all who knew him. Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee followed by a Memorial Mass in Sacred Heart Church at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private at a later date. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.