On December 18, 2022, our father—Salvatore (Sam) Mentesana—left this world to join his wife, Teresa , of nearly 82 years, our mother, in heaven. He was 103 years old, and left quietly in his sleep, undoubtedly planning the reunion with his beloved spouse.

Dad was born October 6, 1919 in Campofelice, Sicily, and immigrated to the United States when he was eight. The fact that he originally couldn't speak a word of English didn't deter him from chasing his version of the American dream. Ambitious and very hard working, he began as a baker at the age of 17, then during World War II, at the North American Aviation Department. His asthma kept him from serving, and eventually from remaining in the bakery business. He took his gift of salesmanship to the liquor industry working in retail stores, including one in which he owned and operated. That experience led him to the Katz Drug Company where he eventually excelled as a division manager. At the age of 40, his career reached a pinnacle when the Hamm's Brewing Company awarded him a wholesale beer distributorship. Partnering with two close friends, they formed Beverage Sales Company and operated it successfully until he retired at the age of 62. Dad spent the remainder of his long life enjoying the company of family and friends, working in his garden, fishing, playing cards, and serving in the Knights of Columbus.

In addition to our mother, Sam was predeceased by his parents Fedele and Josephine Passantino Mentesana, his sister Carmelina Cusumano, brother Louis Mentesana, son Phillip Mentesana and his wife Rosemary. He is survived by children JoAnn Conforti, Charles Mentesana (Carol), Kathy Pruitt (Dennis), Mary Lichtenberg (Jack), Louie Mentesana, and sister-in-law Marie Messina. Dad always said the most important part of his life was family, and ours was a very large one with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews playing an important and satisfying role in his 103 years.

Services will be held on January 3, 2023, at Ascension Catholic Church, 9510 West 127 ^th Street in Overland Park, beginning with visitation at 8:30 am, followed by Mass at 10:00 am. Entombment will be at Mount Olivet Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolences may be left on the Passantino Funeral Home or Legacy websites.

For those unable to attend the funeral in person, the Mass will be live streamed at https://kcascension.org/