Samuel Robert Cameli

Age 91 of New Lenox, IL, peacefully passed on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, Joliet, IL. Sam was born in Chicago Heights, IL to the late Caesar and Eva (nee DeAngelo) Cameli. Sam attended Chicago Heights grade schools and graduated from Bloom Township High School in 1952 where he was an all-conference and all-area basketball player. He attended Northern Illinois University before entering the U.S. Army. He married Helen Rose Mesec on May 19, 1956. Sam enrolled at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL where he received his B.S. in 1958 and M.S. in 1969 in education. He began his teaching career at Washington Jr. High in Chicago Heights, IL where he was Dean of Boys and Head basketball coach for 7 years.

In 1966, Sam began his long and distinguished career at Thornton Township High School, where he taught Physical Education and Driver’s Education while also serving as Dean of Boys, Dean Chairman, and Administrative Assistant. Over the years, he coached at every level of the basketball program, including Freshman, Sophomore, Assistant Varsity, and eventually Head Varsity Coach from 1982–1994. During his tenure as Head Varsity Coach, Sam compiled an outstanding 284–89 record. His team finished third in the state in 1983 and advanced to the Elite Eight in 1984. Eight of his teams were conference champions or co-champions, and five players earned All-State honors under his leadership. A true highlight of his coaching career was winning the 50th Centralia Holiday Basketball Tournament. Sam’s dedication and accomplishments in basketball were recognized statewide when he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1993. He was also honored as Coach of the Year for the 1992–1993 season.

Sam also served as an Election Judge and was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, New Lenox, IL. During retirement Sam enjoyed traveling with his wife Rose. Some of the highlights included trips to Italy (4 times), Alaska, Colorado, Tennessee, Florida, Las Vegas, and driving Route 66 – starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, CA. In addition, they traveled to Mexico on three separate occasions with their children and grandchildren visiting Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Chichen Itza. They were even able to enjoy two family cruises on the Queen Mary (departing from NY) and a Disney Cruise with their grandchildren.

Sam was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, and his parents. Surviving are three sons Mike (Donna), Tom (Patty), and Jim (Leah) Cameli, five grandchildren, David (Julianne), Jenna (Roger), Alyssa (JW), Jacquelyn, and Rachele, and one great grandchild Luna. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Church, 241 West Second Avenue, New Lenox, IL 60451.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 East Francis Road, New Lenox, IL.

Funeral: A Christian mass will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, New Lenox, IL. A burial with full military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.