Sam Charles Geonetta

Sam Charles Geonetta passed away on June 13, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 74 years old.

Sam was born in Pueblo, Colorado on September 12, 1948, to Charles and Kathleen Geonetta. He graduated from Centennial High School in 1966. After graduation, he attended Southern Colorado State College (now known as Colorado State University) and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1970. Sam went on to pursue both a Master’s Degree and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Indiana University in Speech Communication. He spent the next 36 years teaching at Mount Union College, Missouri S&T, and The University of Cincinnati. After 22 years at The University of Cincinnati, Sam retired in 2010 as an Emeritus Professor of Communication and Information Engineering Technology. Sam was a dedicated teacher and in the course of his career, he received numerous awards for his achievements. 

Sam is preceded in death by his father Charles Geonetta, mother Kathleen Hostetler, sister SueAnn Geonetta, and son Adam Geonetta. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Paula(Pinelle), son Andrew(Christy), and grandson Dominic. Sam is also survived by his brother John(Lisa), brother Mark(Sylvia), brother-in-law Mike Pinelle(Rona), sister-in-law Lisa DeNise(Dan), and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many life-long friends.

Sam loved his family above all else. They were his world. His grandson Dominic always brought a smile to his face and a twinkle to his eyes. “He was a really, good, gentle, kind man,” who will be missed every single day.

A private family celebration of Sam’s life will be held at a later time.

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