Sam
La Malfa
Born to Eternal Life on Monday, May 12th, 2025, age 86 years. Loving husband of Lynn for 50 ½ years. Dear father of Angela and Lisa(Bud). Proud grandfather of Abagail, Lily, and Logan. Brother of James and John. Also survived by nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Visitation will be held Thursday, May 22nd from 5-7 PM at the Funeral Home, 4800 S. 84th St. and on Friday, May 23rd from 10-11AM at St. Gregory the Great, 3160 S. 63rd St. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11AM. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Sam worked at the Milwaukee Co. Zoo for over 30 years as the area supervisor of the primates. In retirement he continued spreading his vast knowledge of animals to the public by working for the Zoological Society and as a docent at the Milwaukee Public Museum giving tours. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Milwaukee Zoological Society or St. Gregory the Great are appreciated.
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I will miss you greatly, Uncle Sam. Such a cool, punny, fun uncle, always taking us behind the scenes at the zoo. I learned so much from you. And you definitely had the worst puns of the 3 boys!! Hahahaha
I still use the phrase “the whole banana” in conversation. I heard that from you and always think of you when I say it. I loved your laugh, your love of animals, especially primates, and your great, mischievous smile. Rest in peace . I love you 😘.
Oh dear Sam. I hope you knew how important you (and Samson) were to me over the years, even when we lost touch. Your kindness and encouragement at a time others in the zoo world were dismissive meant the world to me. I love how you loved your boy Samson and the other animals in your care. Your gift to me of your drawing of Samson is in my collection of gorilla and gorilla keeper art – a real gem (see photo). Samson lit a fire in my heart for gorillas and you helped fan that flame which created Gorilla Haven and my continued passion for gorillas. I feel so blessed to have known you. Rest in peace, my hero..
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I don’t know even how to begin or not go on and on..( Sam would laugh and relate to this!) , but seriously, since a child Sam was such a vital part of my Dad’s life, and mine, because I never failed to run over to see Sam when spending my days with Dad at the Lion House)
Always smiling, always quick witted with a laugh and a story, he and Lynn were lifetime family friends who will always be in our heart and miss so incredibly much!!!
The Konrath Family