Fama, Nunzio

Nunzio “Sammy” Fama, 95, of Canton, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, in Norwood. Born on November 13, 1929, in Canton, he was a steadfast presence and possessed a gift for making people happy. He was a cherished brother, uncle and friend.

Sammy was the beloved son of the late Nunzio and Maria Fama. He grew up in a lively Italian home as one of eight siblings. He is survived by his sister Lucy Ronayne and brother John Fama, both of Canton.

Nunzio was predeceased by his siblings Francis Fama, Joseph Fama, Santina Jazukievis, Virginia Gibson, and Sarah Longhi.

Sammy graduated from St. John’s Grammar School in 1944 — his lefthanded penmanship won him awards in excellence in the Palmer Method of writing. Soon after graduating from Canton High School in 1948, Sammy enlisted in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of staff sergeant and serving his country with honor both during and after the Korean War (1951 to 1959). He was stationed during his service in the United States, Morocco and Germany, taking him as far away from Canton as he had been or ever would be again. His service to the nation was a source of great pride for him and instilled in him the importance of lifelong service and camaraderie.

Following his military service, he returned to Canton and began his dedicated career of working in maintenance and groundskeeping — at the Massachusetts Hospital School, Bank of Canton, and the Canton Post Office, where he received several citations for his outstanding service.

A lifelong resident of Canton, Sammy’s love for his hometown was evident. He was an active member of St. John’s Church (now St. Oscar Romero), the Canton Town Club, the American Legion Post 24, and the Sons of Italy. The Canton Town Club was Sammy’s second home where he very much enjoyed the fellowship, community spirit, and the chance to nurture and sustain his lifelong friendships. The Town Club will miss his famous “Sammy’s Burgers.” Sammy was a talented and championed lefthanded bowler for both the USAF and the Town Club. He had a passion for sports. He was a diehard Boston sports fan, and his long life allowed him to witness the Red Sox break the “Curse of the Bambino” during the 2004 World Series — some things are worth waiting for. Sammy never forgot his Canton Bulldogs and attended many baseball, football and hockey games at his beloved alma mater.

Sammy possessed an unwavering dedication to his family, church, friends, and community. His presence was a comforting and familiar one in Canton, often seen walking uptown where he was known for his generous spirit, his readiness to lend a hand, and his ability to uplift others with his warm smile and sense of humor and his genuinely simple life. Those who were fortunate enough to know him will remember him with love. In the remembering, Sammy will not be forgotten.

A funeral Mass was held Monday in St. Oscar Romero Church in Canton, followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton. Arrangements by the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street.

Donations in Sammy’s memory may be made to the Canton Town Club Scholarship Fund, 300 Bailey St., Canton, MA 02021, or to the Canton Veterans Services Department, 660 Washington St., or St. John’s School, 700 Washington St.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jun 5 2025. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.