BELLA VISTA — Samuel (Sammy) Contino

passed away peace fully Sept. 30, 2020, in Bentonville, Ark., due to covid-19.

He is survived by children Thomas Contino, Norma Lawyer, Margaret Campbell, Ana Marie Talavera Williams, Linda Contino and Mary Jones.

Sam was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Ida Padilla Contino; older brother Raymond Contino and half-brother Carl Contino.

Sam is also survived by his wife of 16 years Beverly Contino; her son Terry Rarden and daughter Stacy Sandoval. Sam left behind 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Sam was born to Thomas (Gaetano) Contino and Josephina (Guiseppina) Ferrugia Contino in Chicago, Ill.

Sam served in two branches of the military. He enlisted in the Coast Guard at age 17 near the end of WWII. Three years later, he enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War.

While serving that tour, Sam was stationed at White Sands, N.M., where he met and married Ida Padilla. They were married for 50 years.

Sammy built a reputation as a top-notch mechanic in the area of Chaffy College in Rancho Cucamonga, then known as Alta Loma, Calif. The college contacted Sam and offered him the opportunity to become the first auto technology professor for Chaffey College. Sammy loved teaching and helping many young men in that field.

After Ida passed, Sam married Beverly Krone in October 2004. In 2013, Sam and Beverly decided to move to Bella Vista, Ark. Sam wanted Beverly to be near her family. It was a loving and selfless gift to Beverely, and she will never forget what he did for her and her family.

Sam Contino was loved by all who knew him. We will never forget his beautiful smile.

Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.