Samuel J. Tosi

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Samuel Joseph Tosi, 81. He passed away peacefully in the early morning of September 2, 2026.

Sam was born on June 5, 1945 to parents Joseph Tosi and Emily Jeane (Wegman) Collins in Hammond, Indiana. Sam grew up in northern Indiana, spending his summers in Michigan with his grandparents, aunts, and uncles on their dairy farm. Those early years helped shape Sam’s deep appreciation for family, hard work, and the simple joys of life.

Sam attended Morocco High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Rose. After graduating, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps alongside his good childhood friend, Dick Lipa. He proudly served from 1963 to 1967, including one tour during the Vietnam Conflict. During this time, Sam married Rose on September 18, 1965. While stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, they welcomed their first daughter, Kim, in 1966.

After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Sam returned to Indiana with his young family. He established his career as a hydraulics engineer at Neff Engineering Co., where he worked for nearly 40 years. Sam and Rose settled in central Indiana and welcomed two more daughters, Terri in 1968 and Shellie in 1972. Sam and his family eventually made their home in Greenfield, Indiana, where Sam would live for the remainder of his life.

In Greenfield, Sam was a member of Greenfield Christian Church and later St. Michael Catholic Church, where he re-established and deepened his Catholic faith.

In his later years, Sam took on perhaps his favorite role of all: Grandpa. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren, Katie, Tony, and Jack, and he made sure they knew just how proud he was of each of them. Sam had plenty of “Best Grandpa Ever” T-shirts and mugs to prove it. He attended nearly every concert, game, competition, recital, parade, and graduation he could, always cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments. He was especially grateful to attend his granddaughter’s wedding in May 2025 and happily welcomed her husband, Kevin, into the family as another grandson. Sam was also a loving and supportive uncle and great-uncle to his many nieces and nephews. His love of being a grandfather extended beyond his own family, and over the years, he became an adoptive grandfather to many who needed someone like Sam in their lives.

Sam and Rose enjoyed many memorable trips to Destin, Florida and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where they spent time with family and friends. Sam was always happy to open the doors of their vacation condos to anyone who wanted to join in on the fun. He loved seafood in Florida and southern cooking in Tennessee. Sam and Rose especially enjoyed time spent with good friends David and Connie Lehman in Mobile, Alabama. Together, they enjoyed time aboard their sailboat in Mobile Bay and experiencing the culture and slower pace of southern living. For Sam, vacations were a time for well-deserved fun, rest, relaxation, and making memories with the people he loved most.

Sam had a lifelong love of westerns and action movies. If you visited his home, there was a good chance a John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, or Chuck Norris movie was playing on the television. He was especially devoted to “The Duke,” proudly collecting John Wayne memorabilia and enjoying anything that celebrated his favorite actor. Sam also had a deep love of music and could often be heard singing along to songs by Neil Diamond, Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, and Brooks & Dunn.

Sam was a true animal lover and shared his life with many beloved pets over the years. He had a particular love for Bichon Frisés, especially his pups Millie and Dolly. He loved taking them for walks, giving them treats, and, most of all, being their Papa. His animals were family, and he gave them the same unconditional love and affection that he gave to the people in his life.

Above all, Sam was a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He rarely missed a Veterans Day program at his grandchildren’s schools and took great pride in supporting and honoring fellow veterans. He proudly wore his Marine Corps shirts, hats, and suspenders whenever he could and was a member of both the Marine Corps League and the American Legion. His military service was an important part of who he was, and he carried that pride with him throughout his life.

In the final years of Sam’s life, he spent much of his time receiving care at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. Even during the most difficult moments, Sam never failed to express how deeply thankful he was for the care, compassion, and support he received from the VA. Over time, many members of his care team became more than caregivers, they became good friends. Sam and his family greatly appreciated the kindness and support that was shown to them.

Sam passed away peacefully in his home, after a summer filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories made with his family, friends, and beloved puppy. Sam will be remembered for his overflowing generosity, his unwavering love for his wife and family, and the countless ways he gave of himself to others. He gave so much more than he ever took, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Sam is preceded in death by his daughter, Terri (Tosi) Garcia, his mother, Jeane (Wegman) Collins, his father, Joseph Tosi, his mother-in-law, Eleanor “Gert” Denton, his grandfather, Emil Wegman, his grandmother Veleria Wegman, and many aunts and uncles.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Rose Marie (Denton) Tosi; his two daughters, Kim (Tosi) Keller (Michael “Randy” Keller) and Shellie (Tosi) Wooten (Frank Wooten); his three grandchildren, Katie Keller (Kevin Kelly), Tony Wooten, and Jack Keller; and many beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

Sam’s absence will be deeply felt, but his spirit and legacy will live on through the stories we share, the laughter he inspired, the kindness he showed, and the love he gave so freely. His greatest legacy was not what he accomplished or owned, but how he made others feel – loved, welcomed, supported, and valued. Sam gave generously of his time and his heart, and his memory will remain with us in the moments we share, the stories we tell, and the love we carry forward.

A memorial gathering will be held at Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park East (10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis IN 46229) on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 1pm to 3pm. A memorial service will immediately follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Tunnel to Towers, a charity close to Sam's heart.

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