Samuel M. Zolezzi's Obituary
Samuel Maurice Zolezzi5 October 1949 – 4 January 2013Samuel Maurice Zolezzi, 63, of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on Friday, January 4, 2013. He is survived by his only son, Samuel Gray Zolezzi, of Blacksburg, VA, and several cousins.Born in San Diego, Sam was the only son of Jo and Albert Zolezzi. Sam knew early on that aviation would be his career path. In a keepsake book his late mother, Jo, kept, he remarked at age 10, “I want to be a pilot or a space engineer.” Sam was always dedicated to achieving this goal. He graduated from Will C. Crawford High School in San Diego in 1967. He then attended and graduated from San Diego State College, now University, in 1971. While at SDSC, he became a member of the AFROTC, and was commissioned in May, 1971.Following college, Sam graduated from the 3630th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, with a rank of 2nd Lieutenant. As a USAF pilot, Sam flew numerous missions in Vietnam from 1972 through May, 1974. His aviation career continued in the public sector at World Airways for several years. In 1986, Sam began flying for PSA, and was based in both San Diego and Los Angeles, until the airline merged with USAir in 1988. From that time until 2001, Sam continued his distinguished career as a commercial airline pilot.Sam will be remembered as a dedicated airman, and a consummate professional. Loyal to both family and lifelong friends, he will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered.Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2013 from 3-7PM. Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Little Italy, San Diego, CA on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 9AM. Burial will follow at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA.
What’s your fondest memory of Samuel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Samuel?
Share a story where Samuel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Samuel you’ll never forget.
How did Samuel make you smile?