Saverio "Sam" Anthony Caliendo, 47, passed away on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 2, 2004 at 10 a.m. in the Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Memories, 542 Hickory, with Brother Scott Beard officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscola Cemetery. Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.

Sam was born January 14, 1957 in Pensacola, Florida and lived in Auburn, NY. Sam graduated with honors in 1975 from Auburn High School. He was named in the Who's Who of American High School Students for two years in a row and inducted as a life member of the National Honor Society. Sam attended college in Dayton, Ohio. He lived and worked in Dallas, Texas, managing many businesses and acquiring numerous good friends. In 1994, he moved to Abilene. He was currently employed as an inventory manager with RJJ Technologies. The management and co-workers of RJJ became like extended family to Sam and his family in Abilene. Sam's talents, while too numerous to mention, include his amazing knowledge of technology and computers, and his insatiable love of reading. Sam loved all kinds of music and was "Hopelessly Devoted" to Olivia Newton John.

He was preceded in death by his father, Saverio F. Caliendo, in 1996.

Sam is survived by his loving mother, Vivian Elouise (Knox)Caliendo of Abilene; two brothers, Mitchell W. Caliendo and his wife Ava of Troy, TX and Gerald F. Caliendo of Houston, TX; one sister, Tonya Jay Caliendo of Abilene; two adored nieces, Mary S. Caliendo and Stephanie C. Caliendo of Troy, TX. Sam had a special bond with his roots in Auburn, NY, leaving several aunts, uncles and cousins, and was especially close to his first cousins, Karen Nadherny and Kathy Caci of Auburn, NY.

Sam will live forever in the hearts and minds of his family and friends.