Samuel Salvatore Corpe, 76

Samuel Salvatore Corpe, 76, of Sedalia passed away Friday, January 16, 2015 at Western Missouri Medical Center, Warrensburg, MO. He was born on March 6, 1938 in Canton, OH. Sam was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Gennaro Corpe, and mother, Mary (Torro) Corpe.

On July 16, 1959 in Canton, OH, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol L. Bird, who survives of the home.

Sam attended Kent State University and graduated in 1961 with a double major in Education and Psychology. During and after graduating he was employed with General Electric Co., where he acquired his training in the human resource management field. Sam worked for 21 years as human resource manager to Kelsey-Hayes Wheels, Sedalia. He developed industrial training programs for the Hayes plant and several other Sedalia industries, he helped SFCC gain State Funding for critical skills programs and also instructed courses in Management, Labor Law, Personnel and Production Management.

Sam was a member of Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, where he served as a lecturer for many years.

He was former President of the Sedalia Rotary Club and the United Way. He was also active with the American Heart Association.

Sam was passionate and involved in those organizations because of his love for people and helping the community. He had a passion for acting and singing that began back in the late 50's. He enjoyed using his singing and acting talents in various dinner theaters in Kansas City, MO. He was an avid golfer, lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, and loved to travel. Fitness was also a passion of Sam's, he was wise to learn early in life the physical and mental benefits, but we believe what he truly gained was the deep bond of friendship and camaraderie he formed with all his fellow enthusiasts.

By far, his greatest joy was his family. A gift he instilled in us is to truly appreciate that joy. Sam had a personality as big as his heart.

Besides his wife, he is survived by five children: Tony Corpe (Valerie) of Sedalia, Gia Kuhns (Bart) of Sedalia, Nicci Funk (Kevin) of Sedalia, Casey Wratchford of Liberty, MO, Rocco Corpe (Jody) of Lake Ozark, MO; two brothers: Manuel Corpe (Elaine) of Dille, WV, and Daniel Corpe (Annette) of Canton, OH; nine grandchildren: Justin, Christian, Erica, Talia, Hannah, Olivia, Samantha, Marley, Madden and five great grandchildren.

Celebration of Sam's life will be on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, a Rosary will be conducted at 9:30 a.m., followed by one hour visitation. At 11:00 a.m. following visitation, a Memorial Mass will be held at the church with Father Mark Miller officiating.

Internment will be at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, OH, at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sedalia Rotary Club or United Way in care of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.