of Helena, AR
August 7, 1946 - June 19, 2019
Sam A. Elardo, age 72, of Helena, Arkansas passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. He was born August 7, 1946 in Helena to the late Pete Robert Elardo and Mary Cerrito Elardo. Sam was the owner of the S. Elardo Haberdashery and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. A longtime supporter of his hometown, Sam served his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Helena Rotary Club. He was president and national president of Delta Sigma Fraternity and president of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was an avid collector of antiques and fountain pens.
Sam leaves behind to cherish his memory a brother, Robert Pete Elardo (Pat) of Olive Branch, Mississippi; two nephews, Edward William Richmond, Jr. and Peter Michael Richmond (Brooke); niece, Joan Richmond Reed (Steve); great-nieces, Jaclyn Mauldin, Elizabeth Knuckles (M.J.) and Camryn Richmond; great-great nephew and nieces, Chay, Cassie, Raylen and Kaylee; and many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Zina Elardo Richmond; and niece, Mary Jeanette Richmond.
A funeral service for Sam Elardo will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 24, 2019 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Rosary will be prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a visitation following at 9:30 a.m., in Helena, Arkansas.
Members of Knights of Columbus, Delta Sigma Fraternity and TTKA Fraternity will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Helena.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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35 Condolence(s)
Leslie Chin
Monday, July 8, 2019
I first met Sammy back in the 60's during my Delta Sigma days and over the years had many, many conversations with him. Many of these conversations centered around his concern and attempt to make Helena a better place to live. He was always optimistic about the town's future. He will be sorely missed.
SAMUEL SULLIVAN
Friday, June 28, 2019
I was just informed of the loss of Sammy to Helena and his family and friends. I could not have been more impressed and honored to have known and been able to call him my friend and mentor in our youth. I will always remember our Delta Sigma days and the lessons he bestowed on me. Rest in peace!
Michael Rosen
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Sam was a true gentleman. You were snatched away too soon. The void will never be filled. I will be thinking about you for the rest of my life.
Karen Williamson Bradshaw
Sunday, June 23, 2019
I was shocked to hear this sad news. Sammy was a family friend all growing up together. So many memories from childhood and beyond with the Richmond family included. He will be missedðŸ™ðŸ¼
Mike Kelly
Friday, June 21, 2019
Sammy will be missed
He was a driving force at Arkansas State , University, with Pi Kappa Alpha. He was in the process of a reunion for Pike Alumni of the 60s . We will continue with that objective with a runion in early 2020 in honor of Sammy. An outstanding Pike serving as President of the chapter and other positions of leadership. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest In Peace Sammy.ðŸ™
LtCol Rex Jones Jr., USMC
Friday, June 21, 2019
A true gentleman - an honorable, good and kind man. When I think back to my younger years growing up in Helena-West Helena and all that was good there, I think of Sam. Optimistic, outgoing, hard working, and always a friendly face - he was the biggest fan of his hometown. Strangers that dropped by his shop were treated like family. Former residents passing through would stop in just to see Sam. He was a piece of the history and the story of that town. I was lucky enough to have worked in his clothing store through my high school years. A great boss to have as a kid - none better. So many memories, laughs, and great times. A teacher, mentor and shining example of a gentleman. Over 25 years ago, and he’s still one of the best bosses I’ve ever worked for. He loved his family more than life - you all are in my prayers. I’m am heartbroken for your loss. We are all better folks for having the fortune to have known a man like Sam Elardo.
Murray Schrantz
Friday, June 21, 2019
Sam was a great friend and an enormous help to me in my days in the Delta Sigma fraternity and beyond. Even though my trips to Helena diminished over the years, I always sought him out for his friendly, cheerful nature and the earnestness that spoke volumes about his character. His personal and business challenges, which weren't minor, were never something that preoccupied him. He was always more interested in how others were doing and would help if he could. There have truly been few people I've ever met who lived their lives with such a warm, generous nature and such a positive outlook on life. I will miss him, but the impact he's had on my life is immeasurable.
Stacy Ervin
Friday, June 21, 2019
Joni, Eddie and Michael, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how much Uncle Sam meant to all of you. Prayers
Dr. Al and Debby Gordon
Friday, June 21, 2019
A tremendous mentor and friend! Sam was a difference maker for many of us growing up in Helena. He will be missed.
Linda Wesson
Friday, June 21, 2019
Sammy, your sweet smile will always be with me and the many you blessed with your friendship.
Mika Askew
Friday, June 21, 2019
I am so sorry for this huge loss.to family and friends. Having not seen Sam since Haberdashery days, it was a pleasure when he called me just a few months ago!
My sincere sympathy to Sam’s family and the Arkansas town of Helena he loved so much.
Patti Billings Brabham
Friday, June 21, 2019
My prayers are with Sammy’s family.
I have such fond memories of our Central and Delt days. Please know you are in my mind through out your grief.
He was such a loving and giving man.
Patti
Lee Pevsner
Friday, June 21, 2019
We were brothers in Delta Sigma and friends for over 60 years.
I will treasure my tie from S. Elardo's forever.
Rest in peace Sammy.
Janie Scaife
Friday, June 21, 2019
So sorry for your loss.
Kim Cooper Woods
Friday, June 21, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a great man. I'm praying for you.
Nancy Lee
Friday, June 21, 2019
Rest in peace Sammy
Johnnie Naylor
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Alice Robertson
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Sammy’s death was a great loss to the city of Helena and a plethora of friends! Prayers for all his family. I am so sorry for your sadness!
Woody Galyean
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Sammy was a wonderful man and a great friend. He was my big brother when I was a pledge. We went to college together and he was so kind to give many rides to and from Jonesboro. Loved him like a brother.
Sissy & Kevin Smith
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Kevin & I are both deeply saddened at the sudden passing of our friend. We have such happy memories of shopping at S.Elardo’s Haberdashery when we were growing up & eating at Habib’s, which he renovated & ran. Sam had such exquisite taste. He left his classic signature mark on every undertaking he became involved in. I also loved shopping at Delta Gypsy & hated to see it close. Sam gave SO much to this community. He tried so hard to get new ventures here off the ground & running. He poured everything he had into his community. He had a lot of love and hope for this town. Life here won’t be the same without him. We will miss him so much.
Herbert Evans
Thursday, June 20, 2019
That picture on Sam's obituary was the face you always saw. Sam was a friend to everyone he met and was always the same guy every time you saw him. Such a great friend and a great guy. He will be missed by so many and that speaks volumes on him impact. My prayer is that his family and friends receive God's peace and comfort in this extremely sad time. I know I will see and be with him again.
Peggy Hensley
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Prayers for the family. You will be missed
Angela brocato hood
Thursday, June 20, 2019
I am a friend of the family from a long tome ago I am so sorry to hear this news Sammy was always so nice and friendly May he be at peace up in Heaven with his family
Philly Rains
Thursday, June 20, 2019
My sweet friend. The world is lesser place without you. I will miss you every day.
Philly
Stephenie Cooke
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Sammy was a super man and will be missed. My thoughts are with the family during this time.
Wayne King
Thursday, June 20, 2019
You will be missed dearly! A Cherry Street Icon! A Helena AR Ambassador!
Michele Quattlebaum
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Sammy was a truly great man. I loved to stop and visit with him when I came back to Helena. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed by all.
Michele Quattlebaum
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Sammy was a truly great man. I loved to stop and visit with him when I came back to Helena. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed by all.
Stewart Juengel
Thursday, June 20, 2019
So sorry to hear about Sam. Great guy!
jim mayer
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Sam was a most caring gentleman for all the people & organizations he was involved with. He cared for his community Helena and was a man of great taste and character. He will be missed by all who he touched. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim & Diane Mayer Maxine Mayer Silva & Ruth Mayer Roper
Terri Seemsn Hollowell
Thursday, June 20, 2019
I was so sorry to hear about Sammy’s passing. He was a true advocate to the community that he loved so much. He will be missed by anyone who ever made his acquaintance. I will remember family and friends in my thought and prayers as you mourn his loss.
Kathy Wooten Hale
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Sam was such a gentleman and made everyone feel welcome and important. Helena benefited tremendously from his many contributions. He will be missed by all those who look loved him.
Cheryl M Anderson
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Sooo very sorry to read of Sam's passing. Such a dear gentleman and friend to so very many in Helena, the great State of Arkansas and all over the Mid-South and beyond. I enjoyed many fine conversations with Sam. He will be missed.
Very fondly,
Cheryl Anderson
Betty Robertson
Thursday, June 20, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Betty Robertson
Thursday, June 20, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.