Salvatore Gemelli

Salvatore "Sam" Gemelli 
 
Daddy, Grandpa Sam, GG Sam
Former City of Erie Police Chief

 

     Salvatore "Sam" Gemelli, 86, died Saturday, August 20, 2011 at his residence in Erie.  Born to Italian immigrant parents on March 1, 1925, Sam was educated and graduated from St. Patrick Grade School in '38 and East High School in '42.
     Sam served in the United States Coast Guard/Atlantic Theater from 1942-1946.
     Sam married the former Wilma Reichel on August 19, 1946 which was the 41st wedding anniversary of his parents.
     He worked for General Electric before his appointment to the City of Erie Police Department on his twenty-fifth birthday in 1950.  He was promoted to Sergeant in 1955, Lieutenant in 1968, Inspector in 1971 and Chief of Police in 1972, a position he held until his retirement in 1980.  From 1980 to 1982 he worked for the PA State Dept. of Revenue, Division of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, enforcing liquor, cigarette, fuel and firearm taxes.
     During his police career Sam was instrumental in organizing the local PAL (Police Athletic League) for young children in the 50-60's, the K-9 Corps, and the Family Crisis Unit.  Known for his harmony with minority group leaders, he was able to work with them in the 70s to help bring peace to the city schools and streets of Erie. 
     After leaving the state position Sam returned to his Italian roots as a laborer working in construction helping build Interstate 86 between Harborcreek and NY State...work he enjoyed because it brought him into the sunshine from his years behind a desk.
     In 1998 Sam made pilgrimage to Rosarno, Reggio Calabria, Italy, the town where his parents lived and his three eldest sisters were born.  He, his daughter Nancy with husband Jim visited with cousins and enjoyed the countryside where his father, Fortunato, labored.
     He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Wilma Margaret Reichel Gemelli in 1995; his parents, Fortunato and Rosaria Rosarno Gemelli; and seven siblings, Maria "Mary" Concetta Gemelli Verdecchia, Maria Grazia Gemelli, Francesca Maria Gemelli, Helena Rita Gemelli Colevecchio, Annunziata "Nancy" Gemelli Picz, Francesco Gemelli and Baby Boy Gemelli. 
     He is survived by two daughters, Marie Gemelli-Carroll (James Carroll) of Cincinnati, OH and Nancy Gemelli Griffey (Jim) of Erie; two grandchildren, Katharine Marie Carroll Smith (Robert) of Cincinnati, OH and Emily Anne Carroll of Washington, DC; and a great-grandchild, Kera Margret Smith of Cincinnati, OH.
     A private Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Patrick Church celebrated by the Rev. Daniel J. Prez with private burial in Erie Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Church, 130 East Fourth St., Erie, PA 16507 or Greater Cincinnati Police Historical Society Museum, 959 West Eighth St., Cincinnati, OH 45203 (www.gcphs.com) or to Joshua's Haven for Men, 205 Bank St., Sharon, PA 16146.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St., Erie, PA.