Samuel Sidney Stanto

Samuel Sidney Stanto, 80, of Nokesville, Virginia, passed away on November 9, 2022. He was born on October 25, 1942 to Helen and William Stanto, in West Newton, PA. Following his high school graduation in 1960, Sam moved to Washington, D.C. in 1961 where he worked a variety of jobs, including processing newsreel footage for Capital Film Laboratory and Costa Film Lab. At times he went out with the camera crew to capture local news; during once such outing he was sent to gather newsreel footage on location following Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination. He left that profession to become a tractor trailer driver, first working for himself as an owner-operator hauling steel from Baltimore to the Pennsylvania steel mills. Due to rising fuel costs, he sold his truck and worked for several trucking companies, including UPS, Hess Oil Company, Ritter Trucking Company (a U.S. Mail Contractor), and Preston Trucking Company. In 1981 Preston opened a terminal in Manassas, at which time the family moved to Nokesville. He continued to work until his retirement in 1999 when Preston Trucking Company was sold to Yellow Freight. After retirement Sam purchased his first farm tractor, a 1949 Oliver 77. This was the first of many tractors that were purchased and repaired, then either sold or enjoyed. In addition to working on his many tractors, Sam also worked part time at Nova Turf Farm until May of this year. He could often be found riding along Thoroughbred Drive on his golf cart, visiting Nokesville Tire Center, attending Senior Socials, tinkering in the garage, or riding tractors with his grandchildren. He enjoyed annual visits to Ocean City to people watch while eating Thrasher’s fries, and loved going to various Gas & Steam Shows, which featured old farm equipment. Sam and Joanne started camping in 1968 and established many camping traditions that are now being enjoyed by all their grandchildren. Samuel is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joanne Demczyk; Brother, William R. Stanto; Daughter, Sydney S. Nguyen and her husband, Lam; Son, Daniel S. Stanto; Grandchildren, Evan S. Nguyen, Jacqueline D. Nguyen, Anderson D. Nguyen, and Ryan M. Nguyen; Niece, Quinn Stanto; Nephew, Justin Stanto; and many other cousins and loving family members. A memorial service will be held for Samuel at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Nokesville Church of the Brethren (13002 Fitzwater Drive, Nokesville, Virginia 20181). His family will receive guests at the church from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Immediately after the memorial service a light lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Samuel Sidney Stanto to: American Kidney Fund 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 kidneyfund.org American Diabetes Association P.O Box 7023 (Attn: Service Center) Merrifield, VA 22116 diabetes.org

Samuel Sidney Stanto

October 25, 1942 - November 9, 2022