Feb 22, 2021
Samuel R. Conti Sr., age 90, of Fredonia, N.Y., passed away peacefully at his home on Rt. 83 on Thursday, Feb. 18. Sam was born in Westfield, N.Y., on July 3, 1930 to the late Ross and Louise (LaDuca) Conti. He graduated from Fredonia HS in 1949 and served in the Navy from 1951 until 1955.
Throughout his life, Sam was an avid athlete and sports enthusiast. During his high school years, Sam ran track, cross country and played football and baseball. During those years he was also a member of the Laona Tech basketball team. Sam was a passionate golfer and golfed for many years at Hillview Golf Course. He was a charter member of Art Asquith’s Chautauqua County Senior tour. Sam was also an enthusiastic baseball and softball player. While in the Navy, he played baseball while stationed in Guantanamo Bay and continued to play upon his return to the Dunkirk/ Fredonia area. He also played fast pitch, slow pitch and modified softball in multiple leagues well into his 60’s.