Samuel Michael Jannetta
Samuel Michael Jannetta, age 80, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 6, 2020, following a brief and sudden illness.
Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan; his three sons, Sam Jr. (Ellen), William (Suzanne), and David (Kiley); seven grandchildren, Luke, Michael, Laura, Molly, Elizabeth, Abby, and Kate; his brother Tony (Sally); his sister, Ida Marie Higgins (James); and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Samuel Benjamin and Frances (Alfano) Jannetta, and his brother Dr. Peter Jannetta.
Sam was born on September 29, 1940, in Philadelphia, PA. He grew up in York, PA, and graduated from West York High, where he was student council president and a three-sport varsity athlete. During childhood, he enjoyed his time spent each summer at Camp Tecumseh on Lake Winnipesaukee, in New Hampshire. Sam went on to earn his B.A. in Journalism from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, played baseball and lightweight football, and was elected to the Friars Senior Society. After graduating from Penn, Sam began a successful 36-year career with IBM. His tenure as an IBM executive took him from Harrisburg, PA, to Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seoul, and Tokyo. Throughout his career, Sam was esteemed by colleagues for his keen business acumen and his high character.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Sam played ALTA tennis through Dunwoody Country Club; coached his sons in soccer, baseball, and basketball; and enjoyed cheering for his favorite teams: the Atlanta Braves, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and any team his children or grandchildren played for. Upon retiring from IBM in 1999, he resumed his passion for golf as a member of Cherokee Town & Country Club. In addition to spending quality time with family, Sam relished the opportunity to travel the world with Susan. They visited all seven continents and enjoyed many memorable trips with children, grandchildren, and close friends. Sam also cherished the time he and Susan spent each summer at their home on Lake Sunapee, NH.
Sam found spiritual fulfillment as an active parishioner at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, where he was an inaugural member of the Fideles men’s prayer group. He was also honored to serve as the leader of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
A funeral mass for the immediate family will be held on November 27 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The family expects to hold a memorial service in Sam’s honor at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, ℅ Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4465 Northside Dr., Atlanta, GA 30327, attn. Willis Jones.
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The Clark family is thinking of you and sending our love to the whole Jannetta family.
I am beyond grateful I got to know Mr. Jannetta this past year. He raised a great man and father, and one whom I look up too. I never saw him in a bad mood and he was always a pleasure to sit down and have a conversation with. Praying for the whole Jannetta family.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Susan and family and pray our loving Lord will comfort you. We know Sam has brought his wonderful heart and shining light to share with the Saints and his family and friends already in heaven.
Sending prayers to the Jannetta family. We worked with David at IBM, and always heard about Sam’s legacy there, and got to meet him a couple of times. Great men like him live on forever
Jane and I send to the Jannetta family, and especially Susan, our heartfelt condolences on the untimely passing of Sam. We relished the times we spent on Granliden Beach, Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire where we enjoyed years of great conversation, from politics to golf, to life. Sam, you will be truly missed by the O’Hearn family.
Great! I knew that here was a reason I liked Uncle Sam. Many!!!
Love from Virginia
I had the pleasure of working with & for Sam at IBM. He had great character & leadership while also ‘teaching’ me many valuable business lessons. Always a gentleman who one could trust completely, Sam will be missed by all.
Peace & blessings to all the family. Rest in peace.
Sam was a gentleman, great sense of humor, team player and someone well respected.
Susan and family I am so sorry for your lost.I worked directly for Sam in Atlanta. He was a man of the highest integrity that cared about people. When Sam told you something you could take it to the bank. He will be missed. The Lord be with you and your family.
Dear Susan and family, I am so sorry to hear this news. Fond memories of working with Sam in the midwest and in Atlanta. In fact, we were ALTA teammates for two years. What a man of integrity and kindness and I learned so much from him. Jeannine and I send our love, prayers and deepest sympathy.
Greg Adams
I worked for Sam in Atlanta with IBM and he was a true leader. He had a level of empathy which was unusual in big business and helped me when I asked with enthusiasm and I have never forgotten that.
Ron Warnken
Sam was an inspiring teacher to me and so many of us who made our way through IBM’s Asia-Pacific region where he was a legendary leader. Condolences to his family and friends. John Morris
Thinking of all the Jannetta’s at this time. Sam and Susan were great neighbors during our short time living in Granliden, on Sunapee. They were true inspirational love story, filled with kindness, fun and adventure. My thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time.
So saddened to hear about Sam. We enjoyed beach conversations with Sam, especially about our shared long term employer, IBM. Our deepest condolences are with Susan and your family. Steve and Lisa V, Granliden on Sunapee
Susan and family
I was so saddened to hear the news of Sam’s passing. He was always such a kind gentleman with a ready smile for everyone. My thoughts are with you
Susan,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Sam will definitely be missed by his Granliden friends.
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing and eternally thankful that we had the opportunity to know him. We will miss him and his bright smile and rejoice that he is safely home with the Lord. Prayers for you Susan and the whole family as you pass through this difficult time.
We send sincere condolences to Susan and the family at Sam’s passing. He was a fine gentleman and we will all miss his friendly greeting at the beach at Granliden.
Melissa and I were so sorry to hear of your loss. I’ll always remember his kind demeanor and always with a smile. Granliden will not be the same without him.
My sincere condolences to Susan and her family. I enjoyed getting to know Sam at Granliden and exchanging pleasantries when we passed each other on our walks. He always had a smile for me and a wonderful gentlemanly manner, especially toward his lovely wife, Susan. My prayers are for his family in this time of need.
Susan,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Glad we were able to spend some quality time this past summer and were hoping for more pickleball time with you and Sam. Sam was a great a member of the Granliden community and he will be sorely missed.
Warmly,
Gari and Chuck Palmer
So sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathy to Susan and the entire family.
Susan,
Margot passed on the news of Sam’s death. My love, prayers and condolences to you and all your wonderful
family. My memories of Sam are of a man who always had a smile on his face, love to get to know you and enjoyed fun in many forms. Please know that you and your family are in my heart and thoughts.
Michele Quinn El Paso, Tx
Susan and Family,
I am so late with this but I miss Sam strongly. What a great member of our community he was!
A good friend, generous, always ready to give a helping hand. We were college roommates, fraternity brothers at Phi Gam, and served in each other’s wedding. To Susan and the others in the family, my prayers for your peace, even after these six months. The memories will live on and on. Fred Stericker.