Samuel Anthony Donnici, 64, Kansas City, MO, passed away on January 23, 2021, at North Kansas City Hospital from complications caused by COVID. Visitation will be 10 a.m. with the Funeral Mass at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, Gladstone, MO. Burial will follow at Mt. Saint Mary's Cemetery.

Sam was born in 1956 to Rocco and Elizabeth (Barelli) Donnici, the oldest of six. He loved and protected his five younger sisters, and spent countless days playing sports and running around the neighborhood with his two "brothers" Pat LaCapra and Carl Barelli. Sam graduated from Northeast High School in 1975, then went on to get his associates degree at Penn Valley. In 1987, he married the love of his life, Fannie Jo, and had two children whom he loved more than anything.

Sam was a hard worker from a very early age, starting at his Aunt Jennie's restaurant and his favorite job at the Villa Capri. He kept his passion for the restaurant business eventually serving his own pizza at his own pizzeria, and later, drinks at the Wheel Tavern. Sam held a multitude of jobs after, ranging from the docks at Yellow/CF, to being a Paramedic for 15 years, to where he eventually finished his working days at Jack Cooper Transport Co. Through all of those experiences and many more, Sam never met a stranger, whether they were his coworkers, someone playing next to him at the casino, or even a first-time customer at Gates BBQ in line with him who didn't know how to order, he loved striking up a good conversation. He was loved and adored by everyone who knew him and left memorable impressions on everyone he met.

Sam loved cooking for anyone and everyone, he loved watching the Royals and Chiefs, playing golf, and especially going to Vegas. He was extremely proud of his children and loved all of his family and friends dearly. He will be exceptionally missed by all.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Rocco and Elizabeth Donnici; his father-in-law, Tom DiGirolamo; and stepfather-in-law John Caresio. Sam leaves behind his beloved wife, Fannie Jo (DiGirolamo) Donnici; his son, Anthony Donnici; daughter, Alexandria Donnici; his mother-in-law, Suzanne DiGirolamo; his sisters, Mary Pace (Mark), Roxanne Newell (Larry), Jacqueline Knefel (Hugh), Toni Say (Bill), and Melissa Menichetti; his uncle, Gerard Donnici; his stepmother, Susan Donnici; his 13 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, and godchildren.

Pallbearers: Aaron and David Menichetti, Christopher and Gregory Knefel, Frank and Sal Pisciotta, and Ross J Strada.

Honorary Pallbearers: Carl Barelli,  Anthony Bonomo, Ted Braile, Pat LaCapra, John Mandacina, Vince Pisciotta, Louis Pisciotta, and Ross D Strada.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com