Santo "Sam" J Arico

   Santo (Sam) Arico of Tamarac, FL, a courageous and distinguished member of the “Greatest Generation” passed away July 1 at the age of 93.  He is survived by Mary, his devoted wife of 67 years; his children Anthony (Lynn) and Grace (Tom) Keene; his grandchildren Christopher Arico, Jessica Kubis and Jamie Keene; and two great-granddaughters. Sam was dedicated to the well-being of his family and lived each day to its fullest.  His family emigrated from Calabria, Italy just months before his birth on November 23, 1921.  As a young boy, Sam sold bananas on the streets of Brooklyn and, after graduating from Boy’s High, took a job in the garment industry. He soon joined the Army and proudly served as a member of the 225th AAA Searchlight Battalion, lighting up the skies over Europe from Omaha Beach through V-E day.  After the war, he purchased a hair salon in Brooklyn for Mary to run, and became an operator-owner when Mary became pregnant with their son Anthony. Sam moved his family to Long Island in 1960 and to Plantation Florida in 1969.  He founded and operated Garden Beauty Center in Ft. Lauderdale and enjoyed his clientele until he retired at age 75.  Sam was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and loved participating in various civic and community organizations. He shall always be remembered for his gregarious personality and willingness to laugh at himself.  His legacy includes his love for family, the value he placed on education, his pursuit of all things good and just, and his courage in the face of challenges. Friends will be received on Monday 5:00-8:00 PM at T.M. Ralph Funeral Home Sawgrass Weston 371 NW 136 Avenue Sunrise, Fl 33325, A funeral Mass to memorialize his life will be held on Tuesday 11:00 Am at All Saints Catholic Church. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Our Lady Queen Of Heaven Cemetery, N. Lauderdale, FL.  In his memory donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Honor Flight South Florida, in which he was honored and touched to have participated in as a Decorated US Army Veteran.