Obituary: Salvatore ‘Sam’ Nicholas Miele

Salvatore “Sam” Nicholas Miele of West Caldwell, formerly of Montclair, died on Feb. 22, 2023. He was 89.

Mr. Miele was born in 1933 in Newark to Angelo and Maria Miele, both of whom immigrated from Italy to the United States as teenagers. 

While growing up in Montclair with his four siblings, he attended Nishuane Elementary School, Hillside Middle School and Montclair High School. 

In 1948 Mr. Miele began working with his father, who owned a sanitation business. Over the course of 42 years, he helped his family’s business, Angelo Miele & Sons, to grow and thrive with his innovative and forward-thinking ideas. 

He married Jane Guardabascio in 1959, and they raised one daughter, Maria.

At every stage of his life, Mr. Miele was the embodiment of generosity and hard work. Whether he was playing football, running a business or enjoying time with friends and family, he was known for his contagious smile, big heart and unfaltering ability to put others’ needs before his own. 

A devout Catholic, respected businessman, natural storyteller, trusted friend and beloved husband, father and grandfather, he will be missed greatly.

Mr. Miele is survived by his two sisters, Jeanette Cummings and Rosemarie Ferrara; his brother, Joseph Miele; his daughter, Maria Pagliuca, and his two grandchildren, Joseph Pagliuca Jr. and Samantha Pagliuca. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Angelo and Maria Miele; his brother, Chris Miele; his wife, Jane Miele, and his son-in-law, Joseph Pagliuca.

Visitation will be on Monday, Feb. 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Caggiano Memorial Home for Funerals, 62 Grove St., with a funeral Mass on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, 359 Central Ave., North Caldwell. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the American Heart Association.