Salvatore "Sam" P. Pernaci

Salvatore “Sam” P. Pernaci

Pernaci, Salvatore “Sam” of Orange Park, Florida passed in peace, surrounded by his family, on Friday, July 26, 2019 at the age of 77.  He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but grew up in Miami, Florida where he was married, and his children were born.  The family moved to Orange Park in 1983.  Sam served in the United States Coast Guard and enjoyed a successful business career in construction equipment sales.  After retiring from the business world, he wanted to continue to contribute to the community and went to work for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office as a crossing guard for 16 years.

Family was the most important thing to Sam.  Coaching youth athletics was another one of his favorite passions.  He coached soccer, softball and baseball for his children and was front and center cheering and offering instruction as his granddaughters began to play and dance.

Sam’s love for all things involving the water and ocean have been passed down throughout the family.  He loved being in and on the water, fishing, boating, diving (scuba/snorkeling), swimming and spending time at the beach.  Sam was an accomplished photographer and an avid sports fan.  He was a member of the Coral Cables Lions Club and charter member and past president of the Kendale Lakes Lions Club.  Sam will be remembered by his family and friends as a strong, loving man whose faith was impeccable.  Following Sam’s heart transplant in 2000, he was actively involved with TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization), providing support and visits to others waiting to be transplanted.  He developed and maintained a special ongoing bond with other heart transplant recipients and their families.

Sam is survived by his wife, Joann of 51 years, his two children, Suzanne Groover (Jeremy), Craig Pernaci (Whitney), five grandchildren, Morgan and Emily Groover, Gianna, Camilla and Lucca Pernaci.  He is also survived by his sister, Michele Cloutier, brothers, Dean Pernaci (Roxanne), Art Pernaci, sister-in-laws, Kathleen Gomez, Regina Huni and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.  His brave fight began in 2000 when he received his heart transplant and most recently when he was diagnosed with cancer.  The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many physicians and their staff for the excellent care he received over the years.

We will miss him. 

A Memorial Mass will be held for Sam at St. Luke Catholic Church, 1606 Blanding Boulevard on Friday, August 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the American Heart Association.