Samuel “Sammy” F. Totoro

Samuel F. Totoro “Sammy” of Newtown Square, formerly of SW Philadelphia, and Yeadon, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, after a courageous and relentless fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Born on August 23, 1942, Sammy grew up in Southwest Philadelphia where he played baseball as a young boy and later studied the Saxophone with the finest teacher in Philadelphia. During this time, he met the love of his life Trish – they had an instant attraction, and they quickly bonded over their love of instrumental music.

While pursuing music and business classes, Sammy also trained as a Hair Stylist and shortly thereafter opened his first Salon, Hair Studio One, in the Bala Cynwyd Shopping Center next to Lord and Taylor. It was a glorious space of dark woods, plants, antique brass light fixtures and barbershop memorabilia. It was iconic and a thrill to visit. In the 70s, Dad traveled to NYC to train under Vidal Sassoon where he learned the art of hair and styling to become a Master at men and women’s cuts. The 80s brought opportunity and Dad purchased an historic building in Narberth, PA. Enhancing the beauty of this Main Line location, Dad landscaped the exterior with beautiful bushes, Belgium blocks and lush flowers. Multi-generations of loyal customers followed Dad for years and were sad to see him retire in 2023. From toddlers to Bar Mitzvahs to Weddings to weekly visits, Dad was a constant. He was their stylist, confidant, advisor, counselor, motivator and friend. To this day some of his customers still call him at home to bond over his sound advice and words of wisdom. Sam loved his business and treasured the many relationships built over six decades with colleagues and customers.

He was an avid Gardener and Landscaper who loved selecting and planting flowers and trees. He loved playing and watching Tennis and Golf and eating delicious meals prepared by his loving wife. A ferocious reader and learner, he immersed himself in statistics, history and politics. One of his favorite pastimes was playing Poker with his buddies. When they were not playing cards, they were chatting about business, the Stock Market and Interest Rates. His Grandchildren were the apple of his eye, and he never missed an opportunity to have deep conversations about their college careers, aspirations and ambitions.  Every clinician heard about his grandchildren and children’s accomplishments with great pride. Spending quality time with his family was his biggest source of joy. Whether grilling on the deck,  enjoying a special dinner or celebrating our traditional Holidays, being together was pure happiness.

Sammy had a clever, quick witted, dry humor with incredible delivery. His charming personality and magnetism kept his spirits high and that of all those around him.

He created an extraordinary life – in music, history, beauty and business. He is thankful to God, his beautiful wife of 62 years and his family.

He was the devoted husband of Patricia “Trish” (nee Ponte) Totoro, loving father of Michelle (Mark) Rhoads, Sam (Rachel) Totoro.  Cherished Popop to Samantha, Julia, Michael and Alyssa. Brother of Verna (Joe) Venuto, Joanne (Bob) Donnelly.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel & Michelina Totoro.

Relatives & friends are invited to his viewing on Wednesday, September 9th,  9:30 – 10:45 am at St. Pius X Church, 220 Lawrence Road, Broomall, PA. Mass will be celebrated at 11am.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sammy’s name can be made to:  https://bloodcancerunited.org/

Arrangements by Stigale Memorial Home of Aston

Condolences can be made at www.danjolell.com

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