Rudolph Orlando Sammarco

September 7, 1929 - July 4, 2023
Rudolph Orlando Sammarco

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Rudolph (Rudy) Orlando Sammarco, age 93 of Leland NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 at a Hospice Center in Bolivia.

Rudy was born at home in Fort Lee NJ during the first week of September to parents Stephanie and Luigi Sammarco.  While Stephanie was giving birth to Rudy, child #8, Luigi was “out fishing” …..and by the time either of them had the chance to let the town know that Rudy was in fact here, it was September 7th, 1929 (which became Rudy’s official DOB).

After completing High School in Fort Lee, NJ, Rudy joined the United State Airforce and was enlisted between 1950 – 1954 He learned Camera Repair Skills, Basic Electricity and worked with Motion Picture Equipment.

Rudy was married twice.  His first wife was Eileen Marie Eichele, and together, they had their daughter (Anne). Rudy’s second marriage was to Doris Caroline Jensen.  Doris had a son named James.  Rudy and Doris’s marriage lasted 48 years!  During that time, they lived in multiple homes in multiple states …And they collected friendships everywhere they lived!  Finally, they settled in their “forever home” right here in the Waterford Community in Leland.

Surviving is a daughter, Anne Marie House, a Step Son James Edward Sammon and a Daughter-in-Law Juliete Sammon. Rudy’s grandchildren include Jessica Anne Colomier (and her husband Christopher Colomier), Mallory Lynne House, James Rudy Sammon and Katherine Cortes.

Rudy is known for his love of Swimming, Billiards, Card Playing and Joke Telling!  In his spare time, Rudy enjoyed buying and selling Cars, Washing and Waxing his own Car, Working out in the Gym and Gardening.  His motto was “if you can’t eat it, don’t grow it”, LOL.

The family will see friends on Saturday, July 8th, at the Wilmington Funeral Home located at 525 Village Rd NE, Leland NC 28451.  The visiting hours will be from Noon – 3pm and again at 6-8pm and A memorial mass will take place on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 am from Basilica of St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Ann in Wilmington, NC. The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for making a significant difference during the last 3 months of Rudy’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gentiva Hospice in Memory of Rudolph Sammarco.  Gentiva’s address is: 497 Olde Waterford Way, Suite 208, Belville, NC 28451




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  • July 08, 2023
    Rick, Dorothy, Becky and Caleb Schneider says:
    Rudy and Doris were the first people we met when we moved to Leland. They were special neighbors and we shared many good times. Rudy was a special man with many talents (cooking, swimming, gardening, car buying, billiards, and poker playing just to name a few). It was a pleasure to have known him!

  • July 08, 2023
    Sylvia & Ali Broukhiyan says:
    Dearest Anne, Jim, and grandkids, WE WISH YOU YOU ALL THE PEACE AND COMFORT POSSIBLE. We met Rudy and Doris in Roanoke, VA at the Italian Club. we became close friends right from the start. When they moved, they opened their new home and welcomed us warmly. Rudy was the "Host with the Mostest"! Rudy was proud of their new home (and the new car every time we visited) and shared all his joy with us. while staying with them, Ali would help Rudy with some minor repairs. Rudy named their cooperative efforts "A & R Plumbing and Construction, Inc. (C.E.O.'s). We don't need to list all of Rudy's attributes. We all know them and will missed them terribly. We always tried new jokes first on him, and in return we got many jokes back. We enjoyed his cooking, his enthusiasm for life, and of course any common memory growing up Italian. Your loss is great. We can't thank you enough for the lovely tribute and wonderful pictures of Rudy. Thank you for sharing them with us. Sincere sympathy, Sylvia & Ali

  • July 07, 2023
    Earlene Spencer says:
    We extend Peace and Condolences to Ann, Jim and the grandchildren. Our family considers it a pleasure and a Blessing to have known Rudy; and he will forever be remembered, with a smile and a joke! Take you rest Rudy! Dion and Earlene Spencer

  • July 07, 2023
    Anna Driscoll Carey lit a candle:
    Lit since July 7, 2023 at 7:05:22 AM

  • July 07, 2023
    Daniel J Jensen says:
    We always enjoyed seeing my "Uncle Rudy" on our visits to see him and Aunt Doris in Florida. We had fun trading corny jokes and he sure did make a mean Manhattan! The Jensen clan will miss you Rudy, but we will always have fond memories of your infectious smile, your love for life, and your kindness and devotion to Aunt Doris and your little dog Jenny! Condolences to you Anne and Jimmy and praying for comfort to you in your loss. Love, Dan and Sheryl Jensen