John Sammataro

John "Barone" Sammataro, 80, of Sinking Spring, died August 12, 2012 in University of Connecticut Medical Center, Farmington, CT.

His wife, Teresa (Scaffidi) Sammataro died March 16, 1988.

Born in Santo Stefano di Camastra, Sicily, Italy, he was a son of the late Carmelo and Josephine (Raimondo) Sammataro.

John began his career as an elementary school teacher in Italy; upon emmigrating to the United States he became a chef working for the Crystal Resaurant, Reading Motor Inn and Shillington Restaurant. Later he opened The Continental Pastry Shop in West Lawn with his brothers, Calogero and Damiano. In 1978 he and his family moved back to Italy where he started his own Ristorante Ponderosa, an achievement that was near and dear to him in his beloved Sicily.

He was a lover of life thoroughly enjoying good food, drink, friends and family.

John was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church, Whitfield, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

John is survived by three daughters, Josephine J., wife of Saverio Ligato, Canton, CT; Linda G. Sammataro, Sinking Spring; and Carmen T., wife of Eric Holland, Sinking Spring. Other survivors include a brother, Calogero, husband of Zaya Sammataro, Sinking Spring; sister-in-law, Maria Ferrante, Kenhorst; and four grandchildren, Nina, Christine, Nicole and John. Many nieces and nephews also survive him.

He was predeceased by one brother, Damiano Sammataro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Ignatius Church. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 9:15 to 10 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: American Lung Association, P.O. Box 4029, Easton, PA 18043 717-541-5864 www.lung.org. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.