White River Junction, Vt. – Sam (Salvatore) W. DiFrancesco, 85 passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 at home with family by his side. He was born in Lawrence, Ma. to the late Salvatore and Carmella (Consoli) DiFrancesco on Nov. 25, 1932. He married Marie Elizabeth Mauchan in Sept. 1953, who preceded him in death in 2008, and is survived by four children, Steve (Laurie) DiFrancesco of Penn Yan, N.Y., Guy (Beth) DiFrancesco of Orange, N.H., Donna (Steve Priebe) DiFrancesco of Mesa, Az., David DiFrancesco of Brownsville, Vt., and former daughter-in-law, Becky DiFrancesco of Thetford, Vt., who remains a close member of the family. He thoroughly enjoyed his three grandsons, Matthew (Kim), Tim (Jennie), and Scott (Rachel); and two great grandchildren, Bruno and Averie.

Sam served in the Marines from 1951-52 (Korean War years) and described boot camp as 'awful' joking that his experience was like Bill Murray's in Stripes. And, as anyone who knew him can imagine, he got depressed when they shaved his head. His duffel bag got to Kobe, Japan, but he came down with rheumatic fever and never shipped out. After 8 months in the hospital, he was honorably discharged.

He enjoyed an inspiring career in radio as an announcer and disc jockey, taking his first job at WBTN in Bennington, Vt., and was known in radio as Guy Andrews. His first fulltime gig in radio was at WEIM in Fitchburg, Ma., but he also spun discs and hosted sock hops for WHEB in Portsmouth, N.H., WTSL in Hanover, N.H., and WVTR in White River Junction, Vt. In 1966, he moved the family south when he had the opportunity to be part of the Playboy Club of Atlanta, a nightclub where he worked as a catering manager. While in Atlanta, he was hired by Eastern Airlines as a ticket agent and was assigned first in Ocala then Daytona, Fl. working for them for 14 years.

He returned to New England in 1982, first to Newburyport, Ma. where he worked for the IRS, McKesson-Robbins Pharmaceuticals, and WNBP (WCEA) where he hosted the Irish Show. In 1990, he returned to White River Junction to be closer to his grandsons. There, Sam worked for the VA Hospital, then pursued his love of cars and driving. For years, he provided chauffer and shuttle service for Miller Auto, Enterprise, Thrifty Rental Car, and others. Somehow, conversations with him would always get steered around to automobiles and tires. We all thought it was a metaphor for life until one day at BJ's he said, "I don't know what it is, I just love tires."

Clearly, work was important to him, but family even more so. He would often lament that his children and grandchildren were spread too far across the country, but was immeasurably proud of all their accomplishments. He cared for his special needs son, David, throughout his life, providing him with love and support. Sam was especially proud of his Sicilian heritage and savored meals of pasta, roasted peppers, wine, and pastries. Everyone will miss his smooth 'radio' voice, his warm smile, quick wit, and the bear hug greetings he was always eager to give.

Sam was an ardent fan of current events, was always a top performer in family trivia competitions, and enjoyed watching Jeopardy nightly. He enthusiastically followed the New England athletic teams, with the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots at the top of his lists (although, he would root for Yankee teams and the Lakers when his grandsons worked for them).

A celebration of his life will be held at Knight Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 3 with calling hours at 1 p.m., and a service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made online to Special Olympics Vermont or to 16 Gregory Drive, Ste. 2, S. Burlington, Vt. 05403-6015.