Saverio “Sam” Attardi, 93, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away after a long illness Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, at Village Place Health and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by family.

He was born in Enfield, Conn., Feb. 17, 1919, to Alphonso and Carmela (nee Ambrosini) Attardi.

Sam was educated in Enfield and Springfield, Mass., and after graduation from Valley Diesel Engineering, he went to work as a machinist for Chapman Valve Manufacturing. At the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, achieved the rank of Sergeant, and served with the 73rd medical field hospital stationed in the Philippines, and with the Army of Occupation in Japan. After the war, Sam built a home in Feeding Hills, Mass., and continued his career as a machinist, working for Kidder-Stacy in Agawam, Mass., for 29 years. He was the shop foreman for the last 25 years of his employment, retiring in 1981. Sam’s hobby was raising and selling parakeets. He also liked to dance. An avid golfer, bowler and fisherman, Sam moved to Florida in 1984, to enjoy the sunshine and beauty of the Gulf Coast. He was a member of Elks Lodge 2378 in Englewood, Fla., American Legion Post 110 of Port Charlotte, a life member of VFW Memorial Post 10476 of Rotonda, Fla., and a longtime communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Josephine; daughters, Rosemary (Jeffrey) Dumas of Warren, Mass., and Port Charlotte, Joanne (Robert) Weinberg of Agawam, and Lillian (Gary) Craddock of Penfield, Pa.; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Kevin Dumas, in 1996; sisters, Lillian (nee Attardi) Frank and Frances (nee Attardi) Grimaldi; and his brothers, Ben and Edward Attardi.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 5265 Placida Road., Englewood.

Arrangements are by National Cremation Society of Port Charlotte.