Obituary of Rosario Sam Potenza
Rosario “Sam” Potenza, 90, of Point Pleasant, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025. Born in Newark and raised in Union, Sam also lived in Edison before making Middletown his home in 1974. His beloved summer home in Point Pleasant became the family’s main residence in 1996, where he made many cherished memories.
Sam, or 'Sammy' as his friends affectionately called him, spent over 30 years building a distinguished career at Wakefern Food Corp., retiring as Vice President of Non-Foods HABA. After retirement, he continued to share his expertise as a consultant with American Vitamin Products in Freehold. A boater and former member of the Bay Head Shores Club, Sam loved being on the water and enjoying everything his community offered.
Most days, you could find Sam lending a hand at his wife Loretta’s Purple Iris Flower Shop, savoring a good cup of coffee, tending to his yard, working on a puzzle, feeding the ducks and swans in the lagoon, whistling a familiar tune, or listening to his favorite Willie Nelson songs. Above all, he treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Neda.” Sam was the steady presence in times of chaos, the warm smile at every gathering, and the supporter who cheered you on through thick and thin. His kindness, gentle nature, and heart of gold touched all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
The Potenza family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of CareOne at Wall for their compassionate care.
Sam was predeceased by his beloved wife, Loretta, in 2017; his sister, Theresa A. Potenza, in 2018; and his brother, Peter Potenza, who passed just a week before Sam. He is survived by his sons, Daniel (and wife Theresa) of Howell and Michael (and girlfriend Migdalia Serrano) of Farmingdale; his daughter, Christine Campbell (and husband Brig) of Mission Viejo, CA; and his four adoring grandchildren: Samantha, Gabrielle, Jonathan, and Michael, Jr.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township, on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM, with entombment at St. Anne’s Cemetery, 1610 Allenwood Road, Wall. For more information, directions, or to leave messages of condolence, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.
