After a fierce and faithful battle with cancer, Samuel Rudd Nicosia died peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends, on October 25, 2020.  Sam’s life has been one of great productivity and heart-felt service to his family, his neighbors, and his profession. He strove for precision and excellence in everything he did.

He was born January 27, 1965, in eastern New York, where he was raised. Sam came west for college at Brigham Young University, where he studied Electronic Engineering Technology, graduating in 1992. He interrupted his studies to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Seattle, Washington. He went back to school and later received his MBA. Sam’s career began at Novell and he then went on to work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Global Service Center, as an IT Support Team Manager. His employment at the church blessed him with many lifelong, treasured friendships.

Sam married Sharleen Peel, who has been his beloved wife and best friend since their marriage in the Manti Temple in 1989.  Together, they welcomed their sons, Tyler and Wyatt, into their family.  Sam loved his boys and always supported them in all their endeavors.

Sam loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time with his family camping, riding four-wheelers and motorcycles. He was a fiercely competitive board game player, he loved wood working and enjoyed doing projects around his home.

Sam served in various church callings throughout his life.  Perhaps his most exemplary service, however, came after his cancer diagnosis as he endured many operations and treatments with great faith, patience, and dignity. Members of his family, stake and ward have been blessed and uplifted by hearing Sam’s ever deepening testimony of the Savior.

Sam is survived by his wife, Sharleen; his sons, Tyler and Wyatt (Jadyn); his parents, Sam and Shirley; his sisters, Tina (Daniel) Hatch and Stephanie (Tom) Phelps; mother-in-law, Bonnie Peel; sister-in-law, Pam (Terry) Rigby; brother-in-law, David Bailey; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Thomas Peel; and sister-in-law, Suzanne Bailey.

A viewing will be held Thursday, October 29, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 30, 2020, at the Knoll Park Chapel, 160 South 460 West, Salem, Utah, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing, prior, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Salem City Cemetery.

The family expresses our deepest appreciation to Dr. Sean Henderson, Dr. Garry Miller, and hospice nurse, Nancy, for their love and compassionate care.