Samuel J. Nigro Jr. Obituary
Samuel J. Nigro Jr., age 83, of Gloucester, formerly of Arlington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Captain Sam was a devoted family man, married to the love of his life, Eileen T. (Geagan) Nigro, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.
Born in Somerville, Sam attended Arlington High School and went to the University of Wyoming Laramie on a football scholarship. From there, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a sergeant in the 1st Cavalry Engineering Division during the Korean Conflict. Upon completing his service, he returned to Arlington to marry his high school sweetheart, Eileen. Sam entered into the family business as president of Dudley Fuel Co., where he would spend the entirety of his career forging lifelong friendships and serving his community with dedication and resourcefulness. Sam was a visionary who's entrepreneurial spirit led him to spearhead countless business ideas, technological innovations, and creative endeavors.
As important as hard work was to Sam, making time for hobbies, sport, travel, and artistic expression was an essential part of who he was. Whether coaching, fishing, lobstering, hunting, gardening, attending Celtics games at the Garden, or painting, Sam could always be found doing something to showcase his many talents. He was a skilled taxidermist who gained notoriety for this unique craft, and a self-taught Renaissance man who could tackle any problem with duct tape, wire ties, or spray paint. He was tough as nails yet funny and approachable, and took great pride in giving his all to countless friends and family members over his 83 years. From Naples, FL where he enjoyed warm winters with Eileen and their close friends, to Gloucester, MA where he resided for over 60 years, Sam was surrounded by the people and things he loved. He was fortunate to spend many happy years at Wingaersheek Beach and then Rocky Neck in Gloucester making memories with family gatherings, Sunday meals, ocean sunsets, and late night fishing. His endless love for Eileen and their unwavering connection was the foundation upon which he built his life and was his guiding light through the years.
The greatest of Sam's many accomplishments was, of course, his family. With Eileen at the helm, Sam was a proud father to six children for whom he was a constant presence and support. He came into his own as a legendary Papa to his fourteen grandchildren and great-grandchild. His ability to connect with, advise, and mentor all those he met knew no limits, and his generosity knew no bounds. Philanthropy in the form of donating his prolific artwork to local businesses, particularly his impressive "Glostoar" creations, brought him great happiness. His beautiful hand painted oars adorn the walls of many restaurants and businesses throughout Cape Ann and beyond, including the MA State House and the LL Bean flagship store. Whether you knew him as Capt. Sam of the Samay, The Oarman, Uncle Sam, Papa, Mr. Nigro, Coach, Dad, or Eileen's best friend, Sam was one-in-a-million and was loved by so many.
Sam is forever remembered by his children Lynn Nigro (Arlington), Lori Morency and her husband David (Gloucester), Sam "Butch" Nigro III and his wife Lucia (Burlington), Bobby Nigro and his wife Heather (Woburn), Jennifer Mernick and her husband John (Waltham), Julie Coffey and her husband Brendan (Burlington). Sam was the proud Papa of his fourteen grandchildren, Keith, Luke, Marie, Kevin, Elizabeth, Kate, Michelle, Domenic, Gavin, Jackson, Jessi, Hailey, Dylan, JJ, and great-grandson, Adrian. He was predeceased by his parents, Samuel J. Nigro and Mary (Vitiello) Nigro and brother Ronald Nigro. Sam was the dear brother of June Farrell and loving uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Please join us in honoring Sam's exemplary life on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at St. Ann's Church, 74 Pleasant St, Gloucester, MA from 3-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Ann's. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam's memory to The Open Door of Gloucester https://theopendoor.networkforgood.com.
