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It is with deep sorrow and love, we announce the passing of Samuel Genco, age 73, of Jamestown, N.Y., on July 26, 2026, after a brief fight with kidney cancer.
Sam was born February 3rd, 1953, the son of Samuel and Teresa Genco. He graduated from Corry Area High School in 1971. Following graduation, he lived in Boston, Massachusetts for a short time, and had many fond memories of the days spent there.
Sam then returned to Corry and worked for the Postal Service. After moving back to Jamestown in 1982, he worked at Lakeview Cemetery as a laborer, and then as Superintendent for many years, retiring in 2018. In recent years, he helped work estate sales with Scott Mekus, owner of Eventz by Scott. He enjoyed his time spent being productive with his coworkers "the girls".
Sam was a man of many interests. In his younger years, he was very involved in local theatre as a member of the Brokenstraw Players. He was an avid SCUBA diver, and formed many lifelong friendships through his love of the hobby. He was heavily involved in the restoration and saving of the Sea Lion. He was a member on the board of the Fenton Historical Society.
One of his favorite interests was local history, a topic which he spent many hours researching and performing lectures on at various venues. Sam was also a member of the Buffalo Bottle Club. He loved finding interesting and old bottles to display, sell, and trade. In past years, he was a member of the HAZMAT Dive Team, and also devoted much of his time to running and renovating the Stow Ferry. He spent several summers as the captain of a SCUBA charter on Lake Erie with his good friends. He devoted a great deal of time to digging around in local privies (if you know, you know.) Sam also loved music, and had a vast and varied vinyl album collection.
Sam was loved by many people, and will be greatly missed. His love for animals cannot be understated. He expressed the happiness that he will experience being reunited with every one of them that has passed before him. Sam was undoubtedly one of a kind. His kindness, generosity in helping others, and goodness will never be forgotten.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings, Phyllis Abbott, Paul (Sonny) Genco, and his brother Joe Genco, who just passed two weeks before Sam. Also a nephew Joseph Genco Jr., and great nephew Michael A. Genco.
He is survived by his wife, Teri, daughter, Jessi (Jeff) Raum, of Hockessin, D.E., son, Josef (Courtney) Genco of Frewsburg N.Y. as well as a special bonus daughter, Lisa Contessa, of Newcastle, PA. He is also survived by his sisters, Janice (Tim) Miller, Rosalie Rappaport, and his loving aunt, Josie Nicosia.
He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, many of whom he considered to be as close as siblings, as they were all similar in age.
We take some comfort knowing Sam is off on another big adventure. We want to thank everyone who was so kind, generous, and loving during our family's time of great sorrow. He had many great friends, family, and people who loved him.
The family will have a private burial at Lakeview, there will be no service.
A memorial dinner will be held on Sunday, August 2nd, from 4-6 PM at Trinity Church, 1230 Wigren Rd., Frewsburg N.Y. We invite everyone that knew Sam to attend and honor his memory, and perhaps share a memory or two with us.