Samuel Felice

Samuel “Sam” Felice, 97, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, in Rochester, New York, the city where he was born and spent the majority of his life.

Born on March 2, 1928, in Rochester to Dominic and Bessie Felice, Sam embodied the values of hard work, humility, and kindness from an early age. He was a man who believed in doing things right—whether it was fixing a car fender or offering a word of encouragement. His favorite saying, “It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it,” reflected both his practical nature and his deep sense of responsibility.

Sam’s career was as multifaceted as the man himself. Never one to shy away from hard work or new challenges, he often had “more than one iron in the fire.” He began by repairing cars as a skilled body fender man and co-owned a family repair shop with his brother Stephen. Later in life, he embarked on a second career at Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E), where he worked for over 25 years as a hydro/stationary engineer before retiring. A self-taught mechanic and engineer, Sam approached every task with ingenuity and determination.

He was married for 56 joyful years to the love of his life, Betty Lou Felice. Sam often joked that “he chased her until she caught him,” a testament to their enduring bond filled with laughter and devotion. Together they built a warm home where family came first—a place filled with music, stories, and a full cup of coffee, thanks to Betty Lou.

Sam was a devoted father to James A. (Sandra) Felice Sr., Donald (Laurie) Felice, and Joyce (Edward) Wawrzaszek. He took great pride in being a beloved grandpa to Katherine (Trevor) Seelman, Nicholas (Jessie Wrona) Wawrzaszek, and James (Jessica) Felice Jr., sharing with them his wisdom, humor, and love for life’s simple pleasures.

A lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity, Sam read constantly to educate himself, whether about investing, engineering, or his next “problem” to solve. He enjoyed spending time at the family camp surrounded by nature and loved ones. Music played an important role in his life; he was an avid fan of jazz and Frank Sinatra, and you could find him watching Lawrence Welk every Saturday night. He also loved dancing—especially when it meant sharing the floor with Betty Lou.

Sam will be remembered as a lively storyteller whose tales could light up any room; as a mentor who led by example; as a protector who always put others first; and as a man whose laughter echoed through generations. His sweet tooth was legendary among those who knew him best—just another endearing trait that made him unforgettable, much like his ability to wiggle his ears.

He was predeceased by his cherished wife Betty Lou Felice; his brother Stephen (Dolores) Felice; and his parents Dominic and Bessie Felice.

May Samuel “Sam” Felice’s memory bring comfort to all who knew him. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering kindness will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

The family is choosing to honor Sam privately. They would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to those who were part of Sam’s care journey, especially his care team at Maplewood Nursing Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates support for Alzheimer's Disease clinical research in the Rochester area, a cause near and dear to their hearts. Donations can be made in honor of Samuel Felice to the Forget-Me-Not fund.

You can conveniently make a secure donation online or via check to:
AD-CARE Program
315 Science Parkway
Entrance A, Suite 100
Rochester, New York 14620