Samuel Stephen Conte, Jr.  84, the oldest son of the late Samuel S. Conte, Sr. and Helen Conte of Trenton, New Jersey, passed away May 28, 2021.

Sam cherished his wife of almost 61 years, Carol Sue Conte, formerly of Lima, Ohio, and his four children, daughter Michele  Allen, sons Steve (Kim) Conte, Peter (Paulette), Chris (Mary Ann).  Blessed with six grandchildren, he loved them and shared his pearls of wisdom and life stories all of his days. He cherished his lifetime faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was committed to his church family at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Sam was  passionate about all he did, especially his patriotic love for his country. He was a key member in the development of solid propellant rocket engines developed by Hercules Powder Co. in Rocky Hill, New Jersey and used in America's fledgling space program. He also worked as a Professional Engineer for Shamban, Royalce, Weiland Furniture, DeGrof Aviation and was president owner of Import and Minicar Part, Ltd. He did not believe in retirement worked until his final days with his friends at Wings and Britton Assoc. doing design projects and patent work as a self-employed contractor.

For 30+ years he committed to service in the Civil Air Patrol, USAF's Official Civilian Auxiliary, achieving the rank of Colonel and commanded the Allen County Cadet Squadron for 16 years receiving  life time achievement awards for Aerospace Education.

Sam was a lifetime member of the Air Force Association, and a member in the North East Indiana Sports Car Club, and sang in the choir with his church family.

He is also survived by his brothers, Robert (Lauren), Donald (Mary), and Kenneth (Kathy).

For the first time in history an entrant to heaven was handed an accordion and the angels danced to polkas in heaven.

Funeral mass is Tuesday, June, 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with calling from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 prior  at St. Joseph Catholic Church 2213 Brooklyn Ave. Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He will be interred at Covington Memorial Gardens 8408 Covington Rd. Ft. Wayne, IN  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Vincent Depaul Society or Charity of your choice