Sam Sineni

Sam S. Sineni, age 98, of Monroe, MI, the oldest living retired Michigan Sate Trooper, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 6:30 AM at the Mercy Memorial Nursing Care Center in Monroe. Sam was born January 30, 1911 in Chicago, IL the son of the late Frank and Josephine (Marsala) Sineni. After his discharge in 1933 from the US Naval Reserves, Sam attended and graduated from the Michigan State Police Recruit School in East Lansing, MI. In 1935 Sam was assigned to the State Police Post in Rockwood, MI, it was there he met, fell in love with and on January 5, 1937 married his beloved wife of 72 years the former Jeanne H. Wagar. Sam served as a Michigan State Trooper for 25 years. Sam served as the Post Commander in Erie, MI and retired in July of 1959 as a Detective Sergeant at the Jackson State Police Post. Two weeks after retiring from the State Police, Sam became a Claim Representative for Farm Bureau Insurance Company where he worked until 1976. After retiring from Farm Bureau, Sam worked various other jobs until he reached the age of 90. Sam was a former member of the Moose Lodge #884, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and the OPM Boat Club. Sam’s hobbies included bowling, golfing, gardening, woodworking and making wine. Sam is survived by his beloved wife Jeanne, 3 loving daughters; Kay I. (Doug W.) Thoma of Monroe, Nancy H. Aiken of Canton and Norene J. (Ben) Mason of Monroe, 7 cherished grandchildren; Tani, Melissa, Anthony, Todd, Cathey, Benjamin Jr. and Rebecca, 2 treasured great granddaughters, Abagail and Ashlin Aiken and 4 step great grandchildren in Kentucky, 2 brothers; Paul and Anthony Sineni of Benton Harbor, MI and 3 sisters; Nancy Sineni, Rose Ambler and Ann Kennedy also of Benton Harbor. Also surviving is his precious dog Lizzy. In addition to his parents Sam was preceded in death by a son in law Richard Aiken and 2 brothers Fred and Joe Sineni. Visitation will be held on Monday and Tuesday from 2-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd in Monroe, where funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 11:00 AM with Mearl Bradley State Police Chaplain officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe. Memorial contributions may be given to the Monroe County Humane Society.