Felix Sambogna

Lt. Col. Felix L.“Sam” Sambogna, USAF retired, passed away on September 24, 2021.  He was born in Manchester, CT in 1931 and graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT in 1953.

He is survived by four children: Michael Sambogna and Ron Watterson of Dallas, Texas; Nancy and Michael Shoults of Destin, FL; Patricia and Michael Hardiman of Destin, FL; Felix Jr. and Karen Sambogna of Alpharetta GA; and eight grandchildren: Whitley (wife Rosey), Erin (husband Andy), Samantha (husband Ben), David, Hannah, Jordan, Grace, and Ryan, and four great-grandchildren Addison, Alden, Rylan, and Sterling.

He served 29 years in the USAF as a command pilot, squadron commander, deputy base commander, and staff officer.  Overseas assignments included Japan, Thailand, Korea, and Vietnam.  After retiring from the USAF, he was employed by Oklahoma State University (OSU) and worked for 17 years at the OSU Field Office on Eglin AFB.  After retirement from OSU, he performed as a volunteer for the Guardian ad Litem program for 16 years as an advocate for abused and/or neglected children. Felix was a member of the Air Commando Association (past president), Military Officers Association of America, Air Force Association, the Order of the Daedalians, and Saint Mary’s Catholic Church.

Granddad Sam loved his family, his country, and the Air Force.  His children and grandchildren were the joys of his life. He also loved tennis, racquetball, the NY Yankees, and Notre Dame Football.

He was a force of strength, unconditional love, and humility that will be forever missed by his family. Peace be with you dad.

A funeral mass will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 15, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fort Walton Beach. Arrangements are being handled by McLaughlin Mortuary. He will be cremated and inurned at the Beal Memorial Cemetery following the mass.

Donations may be made to the Air Commando Association, Hospice, or American Cancer Society.

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