Andrew 'Sam' Amantia, 76 of the Town of Niagara, NY passed away on Wednesday January 21, 2009 at his home while under the care of his loving family and Niagara Hospice. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Anthony and Josephine (DiFranco) Amantia.

Andrew was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Falls area and attended local schools. He served as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on December 15, 1954. On November 26, 1955, Sam married Angelina 'Angie' (Restaino) Amantia in St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls. For over forty years, he was employed at the former Nabisco Shredded Wheat in Niagara Falls until his retirement as a general foreman in 1986.

Sam was a sports enthusiast and outstanding athlete. He was a San Francisco 49ers and New York Yankee fan, and in his younger years participated in local bowling leagues. He also enjoyed horse racing, playing poker and gardening. Sam's greatest pleasure came from attending his grandchildren's sporting events. Sam was a member of the I.S.D.A. Cataract Lodge, Nabisco Retirement Club and local Veterans Club.

In addition to his wife of fifty three years, Mr. Amantia is survived by his three children; Samuel A. Amantia of Tallahassee, FL, Richard G. (Judith A.) Amantia of Grand Island, NY, ToniMarie Antonelli of Grand Island, NY, eight grandchildren; Leilah, Janeen, Richard II, Laura Amantia, Michael A., Brandon, Patrick and Nicolas Antonelli. He was the brother of; Tony (late Lillian) Amantia of Arizona, late Angelo Amantia, late Frank (Queenie of Niagara Falls, NY) Amantia, late Thomas Amantia and late Josephine (late Robert) Laurrie, son-in-law of the late Antonio and Pasqualina Restaino, brother-in-law of; Antonio (Rose) Restaino of Niagara Falls, NY, Rose Giovannucci of Niagara Falls, NY and Nellie Morreale of the Town of Niagara, NY. Sam is also survived several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call on Friday from 3-8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI AND SON NIAGARA FUENRAL CHAPEL 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Saturday January 24th at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon in St. Vincent de Paul Parish at St. Leo's Church 2748 Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. James Fugle officiating, and Military Honors concluding. Entombment will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094 or Roswell Park Cancer Institute Po Box 631 Buffalo, NY 14240.