For those who knew him: Sam Sarra

[bernie]

Sam passed on April 4, 2015. His obituary will probably be published tomorrow, I will post it then.

[GENE LANHAM]

Sam passed on April 4, 2015. His obituary will probably be published tomorrow, I will post it then.

Sorry to hear that Bernie. I think of Big Block Chevies---Turbochargers---'Daytona' Sam even worked for Mr. K. in 1971---

Rest In Peace, Sam----

[GENE LANHAM]

[lilabner]

I used to love watching him in the 266's. A very talented man. RIP Sam..

[bernie]

Still waiting on Sam's obit. Tentative visitation is May 7th. I'll continue to watch for an update.

[bernie]

Sarra, Salvatore "Sam" Born 1/4/1924, Died 4/4/2015Salvatore “Sam” Sarra, 91, of Fond du Lac, WI passed away April 4, 2015, at a local hospice care facility. He was born on January 4,1924 in Canton, MA, to Salvatore S. and Ruth A. Kerbel Sarra. He was raised in Canton where he attend St. John’s grade school and Canton High School. He then attended Wentworth Institute in MA abd studied Mechanical Engineering. He enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II from 1943-1946 on the USS Delta, receiving the following medals: World War II Victory Medal, American Area Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal. Early in Sam’s memorable achievements was his design for bomb racks installed on jet airplanes. Sam worked for Daytona Marine and Boat Works and was well-known for his engineering genius with his design of tandem engines, 375 horsepower turbocharged V-8’s top speed in excess of 60 mph over smooth water, thus winning the Miami to New York run, 1257 miles in 31 hours and 32 minutes, on June 22, 1964, a record run that held for 17 years. Sam also presented a paper to the Society of Automotive Engineers on the advantages of turbocharging gasoline marine engines to obtain more power. Sam was awarded membership into the GULF 100 MILE-PER-HOUR CLUB, having attained the speed of 100mph on the water in accordance with regulations of the American Power Boat Association for mile trials and competitive racing. He was also known as one of the fiercest competitors that ever raced anywhere. Sam married Carol Ann Basche Basten of Green Bay, WI on July 30, 1968 in Rockton, IL. Sam was employed by the following companies in Wisconsin: Kiekhaefer Mercury Marine where he was the Chief Engineer of Mercruiser, Kiekhaefer Aeromarine where he was Chief Engineer, Holton Axle & Transmission Company where he designed and built a small tractor for the underdeveloped countries of the world, and Wells Manufacturing Company until his retirement 23 years ago in 1992. He didn't stop there! In 1989 Sam was instrumental in the purchase and development of a boat marina in Pipe, WI, known as Calumet Harbor Marina, Inc. Sam relished challenges, difficult achievements, and new adventures in “making things better.” He was a true engineer and at any given time he was reading, researching, solving problems and working on a multitude of projects. He enjoyed hobbies such as boating, airplanes, model airplanes, planting trees, drawing, oil painting, and teaching his children many things - not all work but fun, too. He also cherished precious moments with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a very warm and funny sense of humor. Survivors include his loving and caregiving wife Carol of Fond du Lac, WI; his two children Jacob C. (Mary) Basten of De Pere, WI and Barbara Basten (Mike De Cleene) of Green Bay, WI; three grandchildren Jacob C. (Stacy) Basten Jr. of Eagle, WI, Jenifer (Justin) Leistiko of Brookfield, WI, and Julianna (Dale) Huens of Green Bay, WI; four great grandchildren Jacob III, Madelyn, Gracie Basten, and expected Baby Leistiko; sisters-in-law Peggy Sarra, Annette Fabry, Cecile (Norman) Goral, Deborah Basche; brother-in-law Wynn (Suaree) Basche, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore and Ruth Sarra, daughter Cindy Basten-Turley, brothers Peter R. Sarra and Franklin R. Sarra, sisters-in-law Helen Sarra and Laurie Basche, nephew Michael Sarra, mother-in-law and father-in-law Frank and Caroline Basche, brothers-in-law Stephen Basche and Lee Fabry. Visitation: Family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, May 7, 2015, from 5:00PM until 7:00PM and Friday, May 8, 2015, from 10:00AM to 11:15AM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street Fond du Lac, WI. Service: A Liturgy of the Word will be held at 11:30AM Friday, May 8, 2015 at Zacherl Funeral Home, with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Eden, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family will forward memorials in Sam’s name to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

[Mark75H]

Without knowing who he was, I revered him for the work on the Daytona turbo motors. I only saw about 6 of them in person, but I was always in awe.