Sam Lamantia, Jr.

        On June 26, 2026 Sam Lamantia, Jr. passed away at age 88. Sam was a devoted longtime member of St. Hilary's Church. Sam and his friends since youth from East Baltimore started a neighborhood football team in 1953, won the City Championship and then founded the Eastside Athletic Club. Later, as a Master Barber, Sam opened the Gentlemen's Gentlemen Barber Salon in 1968. From his modest barber salon in Parkville, he built on his dream to help children. Through networking with his customers and following his dedication to give back to the community, Sam was able to use his social resources to found the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation. He worked for over 30 years as Chief Executive Officer of the foundation. It is a non-profit that supports abused, neglected, and at-risk children through its National Courage House Support Network for Kids, in partnership with the NFL and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society. He was truly an incredible man, loved and admired by his family and many friends. 

        Sam Lamantia is the beloved husband of Mary Ellen Lamantia; devoted father of Sam V. Lamantia and wife Cynthia, Paul G. Lamantia and wife Theresa, and Annette T. Ambridge; loving grandfather of Anthony M. Ambridge, Alec M. Ambridge, Angelo M. Ambridge and wife Julie, Maria T. Ambridge, and Antonio Martinez; blessed with great grandchildren Venicio, Jiavanna and Audrianna; dear brother of John Lamantia and Angie Kaufman.  

        All are invited to attend services and burial at St. Joseph Church Cemetery 8420 Belair Road, Nottingham, MD, on Monday (July 6, 2026) at 12 NOON. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Hilary's Church would honor Sam's heartfelt wish to support his church. 

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