Samuel J. Lococo

Samuel J. Lococo, 80, of Florence, passed away unexpectedly after a short illness on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center. He was born in Northampton on April 28, 1945, to the late August and Jean (Martissus) Lococo. Sam grew up in Northampton and graduated from Northampton High School, Class of 1963. He went on to attend the Andover Institute of Business, where he earned an associate’s degree in business. He later served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was assigned to the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, 175th Engineer Company. While his service was an important part of his life, what truly defined Sam was how he carried those experiences forward. With compassion and a genuine desire to help others, he created and maintained a website for Vietnam veterans, giving them a place to connect, share, and support one another. He took great pride in building that space and in bringing veterans together. https://175thengineers.homestead.com/homepage.html That same spirit showed up in everything he did. He was always ready to lend a hand, patient when explaining things, and generous with his time. Whether he was fixing something, teaching someone, or simply listening, he did it with care and quiet humility. He found his peace outside, working in his yard and garden. It was something he truly loved. He took pride in it, and after a long day of working with his hands, you could often find him sitting quietly, looking out over his garden, completely at ease. It was one of the places where he was happiest. Sam appreciated the simple things in life. Being with his family, spending time together, and sharing everyday moments meant everything to him. He especially loved when everyone was together, when the house was full and there was conversation, laughter, and a sense of closeness. Cooking was one of the ways he brought people together. His apple pie, in particular, was something everyone will remember. A proud New Englander, Sam was a lifelong Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. He loved talking about sports and sharing that passion with anyone who would listen. He was deeply proud of his sons and grandsons and loved talking about all of his boys whenever he had the chance. Becoming a grandfather to Tyler in 1994, brought him so much joy, he cherished the time he spent with him. As his family grew, so did his pride. He loved going to Aiden’s baseball games and was his biggest fan, always showing up and supporting him. He also found joy in the small routines of life, especially his weekly Tuesday buddy lunches. Sam is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Kathleen (Yankowski) Lococo of Florence; his sons, Todd Lococo of Florence, and Keir Lococo and his wife Stacy Dang of Chicago; his grandsons, Tyler Souders and Aiden Keeling-Lococo; his sisters, Joan Daignault and Diane Dillard; his sister-in-law, Rosemary Moran; his favorite cousin, Michael Netto and several nieces and nephews. Sam will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A private burial with Military Honors will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Drozdal Funeral Home of Northampton has been entrusted with his services. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the dedicated care of Anthony Rousou, MD, The Heart and Vascular Critical Care Unit, M-6, Kevin O’Connor RRT and attending staff of Baystate Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. For additional details or to offer condolences, please visit drozdalfuneralhome.com.

Samuel J. Lococo

April 28, 1945 - April 2, 2026