Racine- Santo Alfred Totero, 89, affectionately known to everyone as "Sam", passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, February 2, 2011.

A lifetime resident, Sam was born in Racine on November 1, 1921 to the late Achille and Mary (nee: Gaudio) Totero. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1939. Sam proudly told others that he furthered his education at "Totero University" through the family tavern and restaurant business, Totero's.

He faithfully served our Country with the United States Army from 1943 until 1946. On August 28, 1948 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sam was united in marriage with the love of his life, Virginia Lucille (nee: Casciaro) Totero, who preceded him in death on January 31, 1995. After being discharged from the Army, Sam returned to Racine where he continued his lifelong career at Totero's, working side by side with his parents, wife, and eventually – his children.

He was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. Sam had also been a member of Roma Lodge, American Legion and the Tavern League of Wisconsin. A man who loved to socialize and a friend to many, Sam was great at telling stories and jokes. He also was an avid sport fan, enjoyed reading, and solving crossword puzzles. Above all, Sam treasured and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who adoringly called Sam – "Nanu".

Surviving are his children, Angela Marie Totero, Gloria (Cletus) George, and Albert (Colleen) Totero; grandchildren, Abby and Anne Totero, Luke Pavilonis and David (Amy) George; grandson-in-law, Chris Witkowski; great-grandchildren, Sam (named after his great-grandfather) Witkowski and Avery Elizabeth George; brother, Robert (Fern) Totero; sisters-in-law, Mary Casciaro and Elvie Totero; brother-in-law, Angelo (Nancy) Casciaro; many other special relatives, friends and customers too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to his parents and wife, Sam was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Elizabeth "Liz" Witkowski; sister, Carm (Alfred) Christiano; brothers, Joseph and Anthony (Antoinette) Totero; brother-in-law, Frank Casciaro; and sister-in-law, Caroline (Michael) Domanik-Gordon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 6:00 pm in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Private interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery – Kinzie Avenue. Visitation will be in St. Lucy Church on Monday from 3-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Diabetes Association or to the Liz George-Witkowski Memorial Scholarship Fund have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the staff of 2C Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints for the compassionate care and support during the past few weeks. May God bless all of you!