Salvatore "Sam" J. Erato

Passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 86. He was born in Milwaukee, in the Third Ward on February 15, 1940, the sixth son of Stefano and Carmela (née Cecelia) Erato, who came from Sicily and started their family in America. On May 26, 1962, Sam and Rosemary (née Maynard), (known by all as Cookie) celebrated their nuptial mass at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, in West Allis, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 64 blessed years.

Sam built a remarkable career, supporting his family over almost 5 decades as a produce manager at Kohl’s Food Stores, where he impacted hundreds of employees and friends with his compassionate and ethical leadership.

Sam’s priority was always family. This could be seen as he and Cookie hosted and attended family card clubs and holiday celebrations filled with brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends. For years they hosted epic Christmas Eve open houses where everyone was always welcomed into their home, the more the merrier! Even drop ins were encouraged and appreciated. As the children eventually began to host, Sam would say to whoever was bustling around getting things ready, “Relax, it’s just family.”

Sam loved cars from a young age. When he came to pick up Cookie for their first date, he arrived in his souped up drag racing Chevy, impressing some of the Maynard family, but not all. He also enjoyed watching and attending Indy Car and open wheel races with his family, brothers and nephews. Sam was also an avid Green Bay Packers fan and he passed on his love for the game to his children. He was an excellent woodworker, creating a doll house for his daughter, Eva, a highchair for his granddaughter and various projects for everyone in the family, including tables for grilling, and recipe boxes. He also grew beautiful and delicious tomatoes every summer, serving them at Sunday dinners and making bruschetta with them. He and Cookie would cook delicious traditional Italian food and Sam’s specialty was spiedini. The family couldn’t wait for these meals! As the years went on Sam and Cookie devoted much of their time to enjoying their granddaughter, attending her church, theater and sporting events, never missing an opportunity to spend time with her. Among some of Sam’s most treasured memories were vacations, traveling with Cookie to Italy and Sicily on two different occasions. They always modeled a marriage full of love and laughter. Sam will be warmly remembered as a dedicated husband, dad, grandpa, brother and uncle.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Rosemary, children Chris (Jenny) Erato, Eva (Jeremy) Erato-Rudek, and Sal (Colleen Sell) Erato. He also leaves behind his granddaughter Elle (fiancé Logan Uppena) Erato, his brother Michael (the late Mary) Erato, sister-in-law Grace Erato, along with numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Sam was preceded in death by his brothers Frank (Mary) Erato, Victor (Frances) Erato, Angelo Erato, and Anthony (Rose) Erato.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 10:30am until the 12:00 Noon funeral Mass at Corpus Christi Parish-St. Mary Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186. Interment will be at Wisconsin Memorial Park following Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated in Sam’s name to the American Cancer Society.