Samuel J. Nasca

Samuel Joseph Nasca

HORNELL -Samuel Joseph Nasca, 90, of Pardee Street, passed away Wednesday, (Feb. 14, 2024) at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY surrounded by family.

Born in Hornell on Jan. 24, 1934, he was the son of the late Peter & Mary (Cicero) Nasca.  Sam was also predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Mary Angela Nasca, whom he married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell on Nov. 7, 1958.

Sam resided for most of his life in Hornell, graduating from Hornell High School in 1952 where he served as drum major for the marching band. After graduation, Sam served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1957, based primarily in Texas and Germany and was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After serving in the Air Force, Sam began working in Hornell as a Trainman on the Erie, Erie Lackawanna, and Conrail railroads. He then became involved with the United Transportation Union as Local Chairperson of Local 318. From there he went on to become the New York State Legislative Director of the UTU/SMART Union in Albany, where in his tenure for over 35 years he was their lobbyist and legislative representative.

In addition to his work for the Union, Sam was an active member of the Hornell Democratic Party as their Chairman for decades and was one of the founding members of the Hornell Industrial Development Agency in 1976 acting as their chairman as well.  He was a member of the Hornell chapters of both the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus.  Sam was dedicated to his career and to serving his community. He was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell and Christ Our Light Church in Loudonville, N.Y.

Sam is survived by his children, Katherine (Thomas) Rohan of Mesquite, TX, Marlene Turino of Ridgewood, NJ, Samuel J (Rebecca) Nasca II of Charlotte, NC, and Ronald (Brandy Sleggs) Nasca of Hornell; his eight grandchildren, Eric, Matthew, and Rachael Rohan, Samantha (Tyler) Benedetto, Eric Turino, Carmen, Dominic, and Mia Nasca and his great-grandson, Parker Benedetto.  He is also survived by his brothers, William and Louis Nasca; several nieces and nephews; and his companion, Judy Masti and their beloved cats.

Calling hours are 1-4 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 25, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Avenue, Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday (Feb. 26, 2024). Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

The United States flag and the Air Force flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Sam’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 and Kitten Angels, 233 Houseman Street Mayfield, NY. 12117. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Sam’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Sam are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.