Samuel R. Bliga

Sam passed peacefully on 9/26/24, with his loving family by his side, at the age of 78. He was born the oldest of two brothers (Corky & Jimmy) in Bristol, CT, August 14, 1946 to the late Ethel and Nick Bliga. He grew up in Waterbury, CT and graduated (barely) from Crosby High School in 1964. He attended Ole Miss and Sacred Heart Universities where he met the love of his life, Faith, and earned his BS degree from SHU in 1970. Their happy 54-year journey together began with the birth of their wonderful children Matthew (Laurie Harris) and Stephanie. Sam left his imprint in Stamford, CT where he taught high school and served on the Board of Ed. He moved to Raleigh, NC in 1984 searching for a better quality of life for his family. Sam earned the title of “Papa” to Peyton, (2002) Sammy, (2003) Kennedy (2005) and Addison (2012). Sam’s passions included family, sports, reading, international travel, and his family pets, Mei-Ling and Hattie. He fulfilled his life-long purpose with teaching (Millbrook and Wakefield HS) where he earned the titles of Teacher of the Year, international student travel coordinator, desk acrobat, stapler and eraser magician and dare devil drivers’ ed teacher. We invite you to join us to celebrate his wonderful life on November 3, 2:00-5:00 at Black Horse Run Community Clubhouse, 11701 Black Horse Run, Raleigh 27613. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Saving Grace at savinggracenc.org/give/donate-now or 13400 Old Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587