As a young boy growing up in Chicago, Sam S. Natalezio would often visit the South Water Market picking out vegetables for his family. Mr. Natalezio’s experience led him to own a grocery, Sam’s Finer Foods in Chicago. “He always left a lasting impression with his smile,” said his grandson Justin Ochonicki. “He had a little bit of everything in his store to better serve his community.” Mr. Natalezio, 81, of Arlington Heights, died of complications from a stroke Wednesday, March 20, in Alden of Long Grove. Mr. Natalezio was a veteran of the Army Air Forces who served two years during World War II. He was stationed in Guam, where he helped load bombs onto B-29 aircraft. After his military service, he married in 1947 and a few months later, opened Sammy and Sam’s Finer Foods in Chicago. A decade later, he closed the store and opened Sam’s Finer Foods near California and Milwaukee Avenues. He owned and operated the store until he retired in the early 1980s. “He felt it was his duty to serve others,” added his grandson. “He didn’t even think about it. He just did it.” Other survivors include his wife, Theresa; three daughters, Sandra DeLaurentis, Caryn Phipps and Diana Ochonicki; two sisters, Frances DeGeorge and Rose Andolino; four more grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday in Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights. Prayers will be said at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home. A mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. in St. Edna Catholic Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights.
