Sam F. Motta Sr.

Sam F. Motta Sr., 90, of Bristol passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Bristol Hospital. He was the loving and devoted husband of Esther (Giannini) Motta for 66 blessed years.

Sam was born in New Britain son to the late Emanuel and Pauline (Cianci) Motta on January 27, 1933. He attended New Britain schools and graduated in 1951 from New Britain High School. He proudly served our country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a humble Korean Army veteran. Following his honorable discharge, Sam attended E.C. Goodwin Tech, graduating in 1957 and New England Technical Institute, graduating in 1959. Sam worked at Fafnir Bearing as an electrical foreman and retired in 1983 after 32 dedicated years. Not ready to settle into full retirement, Sam worked for Semac Electric for 9 years following his successful career at Fafnir Bearing.

Sam was a talented handyman and was always there to assist family and friends with their home projects and electrical work. He was an avid bowler and bowled weekly for many years in addition to happily participating in a couple of leagues. He enjoyed watching the UCONN girls’ basketball games and the Gunsmoke drama series. A lover of music, Sam enjoyed listening to the Godfather theme songs, Bobby Darin, and just about any classic rock and roll song to bring up-beat energy to liven up his day. Sam loved to travel alongside his wife, family and friends and was always up for a trip to the casino. Hard working hands at rest, Sam will be missed tremendously leaving his family with many happy memories to forever cherish.

In addition to his wife of 66 years, Esther (Giannini) Motta, Sam is survived by his devoted family; his daughter, Joanne (Motta) Gokey; his sons, Sam F. Motta Jr. (Karen) and Frank Motta (Theresa); his grandchildren, Kevin Gokey (Alyssa), Brian Gokey (Kassidy), Janelle (Gokey) Bartlett, Nicholas Motta (Ashley), Rachel Motta (Gary), Samantha (Motta) Angelillo (David), Ashley Motta (Elie), and Kaylyn Motta (Tyler); his 11 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Angela Baruffi and his brother, Paul Motta.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St., Plainville. A prayer service and words of remembrance will be shared at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Committal with full military honors will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sam may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by going to stjude.org. For online expressions of sympathy or for more information, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com.

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