Frank A. Sampietro Sr., 98, of Germantown, TN passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 25, 2015. He was a long time businessman and partner of Sampietro & Son's Grocery at 550 Poplar for 60 years. Frank was born on July 27, 1916 and lived a happy and fulfilled life. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Sampietro, who had immigrated to the US from Bassignana, Italy. Frank was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret Conley Sampietro; his daughter, Dianne Sampietro Deaton; two grandchildren, Susan and Richard Deaton; and his brother, Pete Sampietro Sr. Frank is survived by his three sons: Frank Sampietro Jr. (Jo) of Germantown, Dan Sampietro (Linda) of Bartlett, Michael D. Sampietro Sr. (Laura) of Memphis; as well as his daughter, Marilyn Blaszczynski (Jim) of Birmingham, AL; 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren and his three wonderful caregivers, Annie Clark, Essie Bell Williams and Eileen Cruz; and his many friends and family. Frank attended old St. Mary's Catholic School and Christian Brothers High School (the old CBC). At CBC, he was a champion wrestler and also played the clarinet in the prestigious Christian Brothers Band. After he graduated from CBC, he formed his own band and traveled widely. Two of his band members were Coley Stokes and Kay Starr. Frank was a talented pianist and at Christmas time he would play Hoagie Carmichael's "Stardust" for his family and friends. But his love of dancing was his greatest joy. He has danced most of his life and was still dancing a few months ago prior to his death. He enjoyed his musical abilities at the McWherter Center, dancing and playing pool with his many friends. Frank was a charter member and 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, member of the Association of Grocers, member of Unico and St. Vincent De Paul Society. He has always been devoted to his Church. In his early years, he attended Little Flower, St. Theresa and for the last 25 years, The Church of the Holy Spirit where he was an active Extraordinary Minister as well as a Greeter. He would waltz around in the Narthex of the Church and hug most of the women who came in and tell them "Everything will be alright". Frank brought and shared his love and upbeat attitude to every facet of ministry and life. Visitation will take place Monday, March 2, 2015 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at The Church of the Holy Spirit, (2300 Hickory Crest, Memphis, TN 38117). The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. with burial in Calvary Cemetery, (1663 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN). Memorials may be sent to Christian Brothers High School or Poor Clare Monastery. "Dancing faces you towards heaven which ever direction you turn", by Sweetpea Tyler. Canale Funeral Directors (Published in The Commercial Appeal on Feb. 28, 2015)