Date of death: 3/12/2025
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1970
Father Samuel R. Saprano, died March 12, 2025, at the age of 81. Father Saprano, born in Mansfield, Ohio, is the son of the late Joseph and Tindara (Miragliotta) Saprano. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Tony “Jeep” Saprano. He is survived by his sister, Tinera (Mike) Keough; nieces, Leslie Keough and Regina (Kaitlin) Keough; nephew, Anthony (Julie) Keough; great-nieces, Carmen, Carmilla, and Stella; a great-nephew, Vincenzo; and many cherished family and friends.
He attended St. Mary Grade School, Mansfield; St. Peter High School, Mansfield; Saint Meinrad College, St. Meinrad, Indiana; Mount St. Mary’s, Cincinnati, and St. John Vianney Seminary, Bloomingdale.
On May 14, 1971, he was ordained to the priesthood at St. John Vianney Seminary by Bishop John King Mussio. Immediately after ordination, Father Saprano was assigned as a teacher at St. Joseph Central High School, Ironton, with residency at St. Lawrence O’Toole and St. Joseph Parish, Bridgeport.
His assignments included: an assistant pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Wintersville, and St. Mary Parish, St. Clairsville; an administrator, St. John the Baptist Parish, Miltonsburg, and Immaculate Conception Mission, Ozark in 1976; pastor, St. John the Baptist and St. Joseph Parish, Burkhart in 1981; St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Fulda, and St. Michael Parish, Carlisle, in 1992.
Father Saprano was pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, Powhatan Point and St. Mary Parish, Shadyside, from 2007-2018. He also served as moderator for Visitation Deanery Council of Catholic Woman and as a member of the diocesan Presbyteral Council. Father Saprano retired from active parish ministry on July 25, 2018.
Besides his life as a priest, Sam was deeply devoted to his family. He never missed a birthday—there were always cards with cash and phone calls filled with his joyful rendition of Happy Birthday. He was present for their milestones, baptizing all of his nieces and his nephew and attending their events whenever possible. No matter what was going on, he never failed to remind them, “God loves you.”
Sam made it a priority to celebrate their achievements. He traveled to Marquette, Loyola, and the University of Dayton for their college graduations, proudly joining in the festivities. In 1999, he embarked on a family trip to Italy, ending in Sicily, where twelve of them shared precious time with relatives, creating lifelong memories. Sam was in his glory.
He will always be remembered for his joyful holiday arrivals, especially at Christmas. The family would rearrange cars just so he could park close to the door. It took several people to unload the vast amount of food he brought. The most anticipated dish—aside from the leg of lamb—was his baskets of homemade bread. When it was time for grace, Sam made sure to include prayers for family members who were no longer with them. And at some point in the evening, his unmistakable laugh would fill the room, sparking contagious laughter that will be deeply missed.
For the last six years, Sam lived with Tina and Mike in Dayton. Those who knew him were well aware of his “cantankerous” side—a word affectionately used by a priest friend, though family members may have chosen others. Yet, despite everything, Sam often expressed genuine gratitude for the love and care he received. And they knew he meant it.
Sam is now free from pain, reunited with Mom, Dad, Jeep, and his beloved Nana.
Rest in peace, Sammy.