Samuel Anthony Inzana, born October 10, 1930, in Newark, NJ, to Carmela and Anthony Inzana, passed away peacefully, in the comfort of his family, on January 14, 2019.

Sam spent his early years in Kearny and Harrison, NJ. His mother Carmela led by example, and instilled into him a joy for life. Sam was raised in a home filled with art, music, song, and dance, and of course great Italian food.

Sam attended Harrison High School, in Harrison, NJ. After graduating, he was employed at RCA (Radio Corporation of America) , in Harrison , NJ. In 1951, along with a number of his buddies, Sam enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War - with a rank of Private First Class. After training, Sam was deployed to Germany, where he was involved with radio communications. While stationed overseas, he was able to take leave in several European countries, and also visit his relatives in Italy. After having served four years, in which he had attained the rank of Staff Sargent, he was honorably discharged in 1954.

Sam married his long-time sweetheart, Maria Di Renzo, on July 14, 1956. Sam and Maria were neighbors in Harrison since childhood, and practically grew up together. After marriage, they moved to Kearny to begin a long life together - one that had lasted for sixty two years! Throughout the decades, they had remained dear friends with other families from the "old" neighborhood.

Sam received a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University , which he had attended in the evening while working full-time at RCA as an engineer. While at RCA, he invented a device to open transistors.

He was a stabilizing family presence and instrumental in helping to raise three sons: Gary, Gregory, and Stephen. He was rational and logical, yet compassionate. Sam enjoyed participating in softball, basketball, snow skiing, tennis and swimming. Sam was an excellent sports coach and teacher as well. He was also an avid photographer, and coin and stamp collector. Every family event was an opportunity for him to use his movie camera.

In the late 1960's, Sam, and his pal, Anthony, built - practically from the ground up - two second homes in the Pocono Mountains area of Pennsylvania. There was rarely a challenge that would daunt him - Sam epitomized the description of a " Handy Man ".

In 1978, the family moved to Houston, Texas, where Sam was working in the petrochemical industry as purchasing manager. In 1981, on a business assignment, they lived an exciting year abroad as expats in Venezuela. In the late 1980's, Samuel and Maria moved to Williamsport, PA, and lived there for several years. In 1994, they retired to Wilmington, NC, and enjoyed the coastal lifestyle. He and Maria, along with their close friends, made several international holidays in Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Sam and Maria returned to Houston in 2003, to be close to their grandchildren. Sam was a loving, caring, and active grandfather to his grandchildren, Michael, Amanda, Skylar, and Jimmy.

Sam was a principled man, who always tried to do the right thing. He spoke daily with his childhood friend, and never skipped Sunday Mass, or any game with a ball. He led a life well lived, and taught his family well.

Samuel is pre-deceased by his parents, his wife Maria, and his son Gregory. He is survived by his sons Gary (spouse, Josephine), and Stephen (spouse, Patty); his brother Peter (spouse, Jocelyn); his grandchildren: Michael, Amanda, Skyar, and Jimmy (spouse, Joli), his brother-in-law Vincent DiRenzo (spouse, Marlene), and numerous cousins and friends.

Sam had a great sense of ease and humor, and just as his mother, a love of art, music, song, and dance, and of course great food.

Adored by all… he will be deeply, and sadly, missed.

Viewing service will be on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, 5:00-8:00 pm, at Klein Funeral Home Champions, 16131 Champion Forest Dr., Spring, TX  77379. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 11:00 am, at St. Ignatius church, 7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX, 77379.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your preferred charity.