Sam “Poppy” LaMagna
Sam “Poppy” LaMagna of Hampton Bays died of cancer at his home Thursday, March 10. He was 77.
Mr. LaMagna was born on December 30, 1933, and was proud of his Brooklyn roots. He always laughed and enjoyed talking about his youth in the famed borough that remained a part of who he was throughout his life, survivors said.
He earned a doctorate in educational psychology and became an advocate and innovator in schooling the developmentally disabled and mentally challenged and provided them with dignified group housing, recreational activities and job opportunities. He was instrumental in helping to develop the laws that would change how the learning disabled would be educated.
While enjoying retirement on the East End, he was a vocal leader who chaired the Hampton Bays Citizens Advisory Committee and always battled for maintenance of the “rural, countrified hamlet.” He had the ear of many local politicians on issues ranging from education, to land preservation, to quality of life.
As the patriarch of a large, extended family, he was a guiding and helping hand to all. His home was always open to friends and family; the dining room table at his homes in Lattingtown and Hampton Bays was always overflowing with celebrants on holidays. As the self-designated family-photo historian, he was always ready with a camera.
Mr. LaMagna is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rae (Salerno) LaMagna; a daughter, Lindajeanne and her husband Gary Schwartz; a son, Ralph LaMagna and his wife Hope; seven grandchildren; a brother, Gerry of Bethpage; many nieces and nephews; a brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law.
Visiting hours took place Sunday, March 13, at R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays. A funeral Mass was held on Monday, March 14, at St. Rosalie’s Church in Hampton Bays. Interment followed at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.
on Mar 23, 2011