Mr. Samuel J. Fatata, 96, of N. Utica, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. Sam was born in Utica on December 15, 1918, a son of Joseph and Congetta (Bastardo) Fatata. He proudly served in the Army during World War II with the 22nd Infantry Cannon Company and received many citations including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Sam married Pauline Goodell in New York Mills on September 4, 1954, a blessed union of 57 years until her death on September 22, 2011. At one time Sam was employed at American Emblem. Co. and later at Griffiss Air Force Base retiring in 1980. He was a member of St. Peter's Church, North Utica, American Legion Post #229 and DAV Stars and Stripes Chapter #82. Sam is survived by his children and their spouses, Susan and Thomas Levesque, Jr. of Portsmouth, RI, Kimberly Hall of Charleston, SC, stepdaughter, Marilyn and Richard Arndt of Sauquoit, Kevin and Julie Fatata of New Hartford, Neil and Linda Fatata of Utica and Scott Fatata and fiancée Margaret White of Utica. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Sam was predeceased by a son Gregory Fatata in 1961, 4 sisters, Rose Cannistra, Mary Palladino, Martha Fatata and Carol Podkowka and a brother James Fatata. Mr. Fatata's funeral with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica and 10:00 at St. Peter's Church in N. Utica where his Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated. His Rite of Committal and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Utica. Calling hours for family and friends are Monday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Those so wishing may make donations to a Charity of their choice in Sam's memory.