Obituary of Samuel S. Zurlo

Mr. Samuel S. Zurlo, 90, of Tribes Hill, NY died peacefully on Monday, October 25, 2021 at home following a brief illness. Born “Sebastiano” in Amsterdam, NY on January 18, 1931 he was the son of the late Vincenzo "James" and Rosaria Cassetta Zurlo.

A lifelong area resident, Sam and was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School, the National Academy in Washington D.C. and attended Fulton- Montgomery Community College.  During the Korean War, Sam served proudly with the United States Army.  He attended the Special Officers Leadership School, and was then assigned to the American Forces Network- Armed Forces Radio as a staff announcer in Frankfurt, Germany.

Upon his return to Amsterdam, Sam began a 34 year career with the Schenectady Gazette as a Reporter retiring in 1992.  Following retirement, Sam returned to radio, hosting a daily talk show on WCSS until signing off in 2017.

In the mid 1950’s, Sam hosted weekly live variety shows at the former Rialto Theater.  He also hosted several fundraising telethons on the former Gateway Cablevision Channel.  Sam was a member of Sacred Heart Church and The American Legion Post 701.  He was a former member of the Tribes Hill Youth Commission, The Amsterdam Kiwanis Club and the Montgomery County Korean Veterans.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Marietta Juliano, Josephine Juliano, Caroline Zurlo and Antoinette C. "Ann" Meyer.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Harriet King Zurlo; one son, James Zurlo and his wife Dorene; two daughters, Debra Clements and her husband Leonard, Diane Keller and her husband John; three grandchildren, James Zurlo and his wife Alysia, Nicholas Zurlo and Emily Zurlo; one great grandson, Aiden; his siblings, Louise "Jean" Zeno, and Rudy Zurlo; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 11:30a.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 111 3^rd Avenue, Tribes Hill, NY 12177.  Burial with military honors will take place at 2:30p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon, Saratoga National Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call prior to the Mass beginning at 930a.m. at the church.  Masks are required.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sam’s memory may be made to the Foundation of the Montgomery County Office for Aging, 135 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com