Sam A. Carrera

OTTAWA – Sam A. Carrera, 82, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday morning, December 12, 2012 at La Salle County Nursing Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2012 at St. Columba Catholic Church with Reverend David M. Kipfer celebrating.  Burial will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park with full military rites by the United States Navy and the Ottawa Veterans Organization.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 14, 2012 at Gladfelter Funeral Home.  Pallbearers will be Jim, Bob, Mike and Clint Carrera, Wayne Leal and Jake Engel.  The honorary pallbearer will be Mick Leal.

Sam was born April 21, 1930 in Ottawa, the son of Domingo and Nicanora (Padilla) Carrera.  He married Norma F. Stewart August 8, 1952 in Ottawa.  Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Norma, of Ottawa; his children, Jim (Lora) Carrera of Marseilles, Bob (Marcy) Carrera of Ottawa, and Mike (Alice) Carrera, also of Ottawa; his grandchildren, Cassie Carrera, Clint (Ashley Martin) Carrera, Mia Carrera, and Leslie Gayan; and his great grandchildren, Averie, Aubrey, Drake and Hailey.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters, and his granddaughter, Emily (Carrera) Engel.

Sam was a retired glass worker of Libbey-Owens-Ford.  He was a member of St. Columba Church.  He was also a member of the VFW, the Ottawa Moose Lodge, and Ottawa River Rescue Squad.  Sam was a faithful employee of Gladfelter Funeral Home and took great pride in the work he performed there.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Union all four years of his military service.  He thoroughly enjoyed traveling to Navy reunions to reminisce and renew friendships with his fellow sailors.  Sam also enjoyed walking, playing Euchre, and rooting for the White Sox and Bears.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Pet Project.