Louis Christopher (Sam) Tognoni was born August 16, 1945, to Neva Gergen and Nye Tognoni in Kimberly, Nevada. He grew up in various towns following his father’s job opportunities until the family finally settled in Ely, Nevada when he was 14 years old.
Sam took on various jobs such as being a bell boy in the Hotel Nevada, while continuing his high school education, playing football, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the US Navy where he served 22 years during which time, he achieved the title of Chief before leaving to finish raising his family. During his many years of service, he received multiple honors including the bronze star and purple heart. Sam married his childhood sweetheart Caroline in 1966. After retirement, Sam returned to the Navy as a civilian contractor where he continued to work until he retired at the age of 75.
Sam loved to spend time riding his motorcycle, hitting it big at the casino, fishing, and spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his wife Caroline of 50 years, his brothers Robert and Michelangelo Tognoni, mother Neva, Father Nye, and stepfather Sam Bida.
He is survived by his Aunt Alice, his sisters Patricia and May Kim, brother Smed, multiple nieces and nephews, his daughters Marie and Christine, son Nye and his 9 grandchildren Jessica, Jasmine, Ike, Alex, Sheyann, Leo, David, Anthony, and Giovanni and his wife Marie Antionette Jardine Tognoni.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
A memorial will be held at the Fallon VFW on October 29, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m.
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