Santa “Sam” Colavita
1941 – 2023
Santa “Sam” Colavita, of West Amwell Township, passed away on October 1, 2023 at the age of 81 after a brave 5 year battle with cancer.
Growing up in Trenton, Sam was a wild child. He began working at age 14, first in a butcher shop and then for a vending machine company before finally opening his own business, his jewelry and coin shops. He was owner of Colavita Jewelers and Colavita Coins on Scotch Road in Ewing for many years. Sam’s true passion was collecting coins.
At age 17 he met the love of his life, Ilene, when a friend brought him to her 16th birthday party. Sam and Ilene marked their 60th wedding anniversary on September 28. They were residents of West Amwell for 50 years and also loved spending winters in Englewood, FL.
Sam was a former president of the Arc of New Jersey and remained extremely involved in the organization. He was a devoted father to his son, John – they were best buddies. He also loved spaghetti or any other pasta.
Sam is survived by his loving wife Ilene Colavita and his son John Eric Colavita.
Services are private. Memorial contributions can be made to the Arc of NJ or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel.
It has been a pleasure and honor being Sam’s doctor over 20 years. Myself and staff always looked forward to his visits. He will be sorely missed.
There shall be a huge void without Sam and Ilene living across the street
in Florida. We enjoyed dining out
together and sharing stories of our
past years. Sam would often times
order a steak to bring home to his
adored John – always wanting to
keep his family happy. God Bless All.
Loved seeing Sam drive by in his golf cart with his son. He was a wonderful husband to Ilene and a devoted father to John. May you rest in quiet peace.
My thoughts and prayers to Ilene and John
Condolences to Ilene and John. Rest in peace, Sam.
Paul Nawrocki
Sam was not only a friend, but is also family. He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life and he would do anything for you. He was a great husband and father. And to add to it, Sam was able to spend quality time with my father as they were closest of friends. My father, Henry, would spend countless hours at the jewelry store with Sam after knowing him for almost 50 years. Sam will be missed but not forgotten.
Love,
Ryan, Liz, Zach and Zoe Wiener
Sam was the sweetest nicest guy in the coin business. He was generous, helpful, and shared knowledge freely. I loved doing business and hanging out with Sam. One day we hung out together and drove to Bridgeton to see a mutual friend. I came away after that day with even greater respect for him. I would like an opportunity to pay my last respects. Thanks
Ilene and Sam were our closest friends and we went out with them almost every Sat. Night Henry and Sam spent many afternoons together when Henry would go to the coin store and they would have lunch together. They would share coin stories and just enjoyed each others company. He was the sweetest and kindest person. We will miss him and he will always be in our thoughts Can’t believe he is gone. Rest in Peace dear friend and know we will be there for Ilene and dear John❤️
Sam and I have been friends since 1977 when I bought walking Liberty half dollars in my car at
Night. That was my buying lesson that he taught me. Never buy anything without the proper lighting. It took almost 3 years to recover the value when Silver hit $50/ounce
from that lesson.
I visited his store when it was across the street
From where he last had a store. In 1980 I came into the store when there were lines waiting to sell silver and gold to help him in his effort to keep up with the sellers. Sam had to go to New York every day to keep the cash flowing for the next day. He had to break down the silverware pieces to get the silver to be melted every week
I visited his store 2 or 3 times per week. We usually went to Villa Rosa for lunch.
My wife and I went out with Sam and Ilene
almost every Saturday
My heart is broken May he rest in peace
I will miss you buddy
Sam touched our lives with his shining personality, kindness and generosity. We are grateful to have been his friend. May he Rest In Peace.
I must concur with my business associate Jess Lipka’s comments regarding Sam. He was a humble gentleman with a great demeanor, and in my 50 years of knowing and interacting with him, I never saw him anger anyone or treat any unfairly. He was the quintessential, father to his son, John and treated Ilene wonderfully.
He was a pleasure in all business dealings. He shall surely be missed and oft in my thoughts. Farewell my friend, or as Sam would often say,
“See you later Skip.”
Sam will be missed by many people including Steve & I.
He was a gentle man and fought a courageous battle.
We send our sincere condolences to his wife Ilene and his son John.
May his memory be for a blessing and may he rest in peace. He will not be forgotten.
Love,
Carol and Steve Perusich 💔
Sam was an amazing person to have known. He was so devoted to his family and was a wonderful friend. May he Rest In Peace.
There are no words to express my deep sorrow and sympathy for Ilene and Johnny at Sam’s passing.
Many have expressed my same thoughts that he was a very special, kind, generous, thoughtful, devoted man. We were Florida friends for 25 years, and I knew that I would not be seeing them
as often after they moved from Florida. He and my late husband, Charlie went fishing on Sams boat for many years, and we did things together as couples with much joy. He was there for me during my husbands many illnesses and after his death 5 years ago, even though he was dealing with his own medical problems. He was a very good man. I will miss his friendship.
May he rest in peace, love and sympathy to Ilene and Johnny.
Sam was a friend for many years. He was passionate about many things outside the coin business. We could converse about Florida, economic trends, the ARC, education, antiques and collectibles, but most important was his family. Sam will be missed by many. Rest in peace Sam.
Sam was appointed to The Titusville Academy’s (fka Princeton School for Exceptional Children) Board of Trustees in January of 1988 & tirelessly served for many years. He was a true advocate for students & adults with disabilities. Rest in Peace my friend.
Dear Colavita Family,
It was a pleasure doing business with him, surprisingly I had more gold to sell to him, plus collectible coins and bills, but maybe some other time, now they are sentimental.
Rest in Peace Sir.
Pete Lieggi