Samuel A. Socci

Portsmouth, NH – Samuel Anthony Socci, 75, of Portsmouth passed away peacefully holding his wife’s hand on August 18, 2022, two days shy of his 76th birthday. He fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Despite his many medical conditions he managed to keep his great sense of humor and positive attitude.

He was born August 20, 1946 to the late Captain Frank Socci and Anona (Cranford) Socci. While his father was serving in the United States Army, he experienced traveling and living in many great places such as Colorado Springs, CO and Germany, before settling in Portsmouth in 1957. He graduated from Portsmouth High School with the class of 1964.

While attending the University of New Hampshire, Sam’s father passed away unexpectedly. He made the decision to leave school and to help his mother run his family’s business, Frank’s Janitorial Service, which he continued for several years. He graduated from the New Hampshire Police Academy and joined the Portsmouth Police Department where he worked as a police officer and formed many strong friendships. He retired after 22 years as a patrol Sergeant . Upon retiring from the police department, Sam and his wife Teri opened Endless Summer Tanning Salon in Portsmouth. They ran a successful business, which he truly enjoyed, for 13 years. Sam was blessed with the gift of gab and he formed friendships with many of his customers. He always had a great joke or story to tell. Sam loved vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC where he would spend hours basking in the sun. He loved Krispy Kreme donuts and great Carolina barbecue.

He was very proud of his Italian heritage and often said Italians were “the first, the last, the most and the best!” He was especially proud to be left handed and to have a left handed grandson, Anthony. According to Sam, everyone knows that “left handed people are the only ones in their right mind”.

Sam was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 47 years, Teri, three daughters Misty (Peter) Aikens, Amanda Socci and Christina Socci, and  grandchildren Nicholas, Peter, Mikayla, Olivia and Anthony. He is also survived by his brother Frank (Elda) Socci and sister Marea (Robert) Kerrigan.

Teri would like to thank Beacon Hospice (especially Renee, Nicole, Tonya and Sandy) for the great care they offered Sam, best friend Patty Karas for all the love and support, and daughter Christina and grandson Anthony who helped out tremendously with Sam’s care and made it possible for him to continue living in his home. She is eternally grateful!

Sam always talked about how much he loved his grandmother’s chocolate cake and we hope he is having it for his first heavenly birthday. We didn’t want him to leave us, but we know he is no longer suffering. Life is short. Always remember to let your loved ones know how much you love them before it’s too late!

Sam was recently honored for his years of service on the police department by Beacon Hospice. Many of his friends and former coworkers attended and Sam was very happy to see everyone! A celebration of Sam’s life will be held at a later date.

Sam, we’re not 24 anymore! “When will I see you again?”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation by clicking here .