Obituary of Severino Sam Gesualdi

            Severino (Sam) Gesualdi, long time resident of Darien, CT, and Boca Raton, FL, passed away on November 5, 2025. He was 91 years old. Sam was born in Panni, Italy, a small village in the province of Foggia, known for its rustic charm, local cuisine, and historical sites. At a young age, he developed an interest in building and attended carpentry school. At age 16, Sam immigrated to the United States with some of his family. He found small carpentry jobs until he joined the Army and served in the Korean War for two years. After, he moved to Stamford, CT, where his family lived. It was there that he met Rose Irma, an immigrant from Nova Scotia, at a YMCA dance. They married and had four children. Sam’s hard work and passion for building became an American dream come true when he founded Gesualdi Construction.

            Sam was a man with an enormous heart and was generous to all family and friends. Family was most important to him. His mantra was “work hard, play hard.” A family highlight was a summer trip to Tuscany, Italy, and the family farm in Foggia. The grandchildren were young, but it was a trip they remember today.

            Weekly Sunday dinners were a treat for all family that was in town. Sam shopped most Wednesdays on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for the most authentic Italian food, stopping at Dominics for lunch. Sunday dinners began with Sam’s ciambatta, a special dish made of spicy peppers, potatoes, and soppressata, served with Terranova bread. Friends felt extremely lucky to receive an invitation to this weekly tradition, often including the family priest. His recipes have been passed down to his children and grandchildren, all of whom enjoy cooking.

            Sam loved sports and never missed any of his children’s sports events, if he could help it. He continued this tradition with his grandchildren who attended schools in Darien, Wilton, and Stamford. He and Rose even hosted pasta dinners for his grandchildren’s sports teams each season! Sam also loved traveling to visit his grandchildren in Kentucky for Thanksgivings and other special occasions.

            Sam was a devout Catholic, avid golfer, and a huge Yankees and Giants fan. He was a member of Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, CT; Boca Raton Resort and Country Club in Boca Raton, FL; and St. Thomas More Parish in Darien, CT.

            True to his love of his family, he will be remembered saying, “Andiamo a casa.” Let’s go home. Sam was predeceased by his wife, Rose Irma; daughter, Angela Marie DiPilato; parents, Louis and Angela; brother, John; and sisters, Lena and Paulina. Sam is survived by his children, Louis Gesualdi (Heather), Anthony Gesualdi, Maria Brown (David), eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

            Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Parish, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien, CT on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:30 am. Entombment will follow, at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.LawrenceFuneralHome.com