Samuel J. Butch Nitolo, Jr., 52, of Shenandoah went home to be with His Savior on July 7, 2012 as a result of a house fire. He was born to his parents Sonny and Patricia Nitolo in Brooklyn, New York on November 25, 1959 and attended the school of Queen of All Saints. He moved to Shenandoah in the 1970s and among his jobs there was being a baker by trade at the Harris Bakery on Coal Street where he proudly made the best pretzel donuts around.

He was known foremost for his Italian culinary skills. No one could compete with his sauces, doughs, stromboli, Easter pies, and zeppoles. He would take a whole day to cook a feast for his family and friends. His daughter, Regina, will forever treasure wonderful memories of cooking with her father and will continue the family recipes with pride. Sam faithfully read his Bible every day and often gave encouraging words while quoting his favorite passages of Scripture. His strength, his love, his leadership, and his faith were deeply admired by all. One of his favorite phrases rings so true, Youll never find another guy like me, Buddy.

He is survived by his daughters, Regina Nitolo and Stacy Masshardt; his son, Zachary Meldazis; their mother, Ann Marie; his mother, Patricia (Poppoff) Nitolo; and his brothers Louis Nitolo and Anthony Nitolo (including his six children and six grandchildren). He also leaves behind a host of friends, co-workers, and neighbors who played very important roles in his life. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel J. Sonny Nitolo, Sr.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society at 201 S. Main Street, Shenandoah, on Saturday, July 28 at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for the family to Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home at 132 South Jardin Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976 to offset funeral costs.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.