Samuel Joseph Mascuilli

Samuel Joseph Mascuilli of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away Thursday, December 21 st , 2023 in his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Sam was born an only child to John Samuel and Elizabeth Theresa (Marconi) Mascuilli in St. Mary’s, PA on October 9th, 1949. He lived his 74 years full of love of family, his friends, and all things Razorback.

Sam graduated from Elk County Christian High School in St. Mary’s in 1968 and afterward found his way to Arkansas through a baseball scholarship to Arkansas College (now Lyon), even though they never had a baseball team until his senior year. This didn’t squander his love of the Natural State, and he graduated in 1972 with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Social Studies with Graduate work focused on Elementary Ed and Special Education. He received his Master’s in Teaching from Northwest Missouri State in 1974. Sam also gained a whole host of life-long friends from his time at Arkansas State College, including his first wife, Glenda Sue (Lunsford) Cisne (Bill) with whom he had his first son, Antonio.

He briefly went back to his beloved Pennsylvania and taught social studies to 6 th graders at St. Boniface in Ridgeway. Arkansas kept calling him and after a few years working at Arkansas College, he began his career in central Arkansas at Northeast and Old Main High Schools. In 1995 and 1996 Sam and his wife Kathy traveled to Guatemala to bring home their 2 baby boy blessings, Zeke and Manny. This set them on an adventure of parenthood together, through which their love for each other and their family grew deeper. After attaining his Masters in Elementary Counseling in 1997, Sam worked at Baring Cross and Meadow Park Elementaries. He then moved to Amboy Elementary where he finished his career in 2015, after 38 years in education. The educational field is where he was able to merge his love and respect for all people, regardless of background or academic strength, with the whimsy that was at the core of his personality. Sam loved all people. He inherently saw the good in everyone, and was anxious to help in any way. He was a coach for several youth sports teams with the local community center,and especially enjoyed helping those who weren’t athletic, to feel included and valued. He was known for his willingness to be silly, drive to improve the life of his kids, and calm demeanor that made him a treasured colleague and friend.

In retirement, Sam enjoyed playing tennis in several leagues and with many partners. He was always up for a match, and loved sharing this passion with his wife Kathy. Together they traveled the US, and made friends wherever they went. Sam sought out fun, and his love of youth spread through his kids, and now grandkids. There was never a doubt of his love and pride for family, even through many health trials. He was a lover of music, celebrations, and decorating for holidays. Sam was an Italian Catholic, often ministering in church, and volunteering to help his community thrive. His pride in his deep Italian heritage will be felt in his grandkids for decades. Even though his Pennsylvania roots were strong, and he remained a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State fan, Sam could be found calling the Hogs for every game.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Kathy (Simpson) Mascuilli; son Antonio (Amber) Mascuilli and their kids Gino and Mia of Russellville; Zeke Mascuilli of Hot Springs; and Manny Mascuilli of Benton. He was also immensely loved by his 4-legged girls, Penelope, Timber, Ziti, and Bella. They will miss his constant treats and goodies. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a host of beloved aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the North Little Rock Animal Shelter at 1 Championship Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, with a rosary beginning at 6:30 PM at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107). A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church (6150 Remount Road).