Sam John Sketteno

Sam John Sketteno Sr., 82, of Diamondhead, MS was received in Jesus’ arms on Thursday, April 16th, 2020. Sam was born in Cefalu, Sicily while his mother, Mary, traveled from the United States to visit his grandmother. He grew up in Grenada, MS, until he entered the United States’ Air Force. Afterwards, Sam attended and graduated top of his class from Barber College, in Jackson, MS. Upon completion, he moved to New Orleans, LA to start his 47-year barbering career. Sam worked at the Hotel Monteleone barber shop, and then moved on to the Rooster Comb Barber shop in Metairie, while working alongside his future brother-in-law. After marrying Judy Sketteno, he opened Sam and Judy’s Barber shop in Waveland, MS in 1990. He loved his life and shared stories while cutting his customers’ hair. His career ended in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina destroyed their business and his dementia symptoms increased. Sam was amazed that God blessed his life with a new home in Diamondhead and loved the peaceful environment. Sam always spoke of his love for God, his life, family, and friends. He enjoyed driving with his wife and family throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. He cherished the new experiences and the people. Fishing and dancing were also some of his favorite pastimes. Even with his advanced dementia, he professed his love of God especially at Central Bible Church and to residents at Woodland Village Dementia Unit. In addition to the love of his wife and family during his final years, his life was enhanced by dedicated caregivers from SAAD and Oxford Agencies, the Woodland Village Dementia Unit, and Canon Hospice. His Earthly journey ended with his beloved wife, Judy, at his side. He will be greatly missed by many. He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent Sketteno; mother, Mary Marascalco; and brother, Johnny Sketteno. He is survived by his wife, Shirly Judy Carr of Diamondhead; son, Sam Sketteno Jr. , of Pass Christian; daughter, Desiree Norman of Diamondhead; son, Troy Don Norman (Jennifer) of Marrero, LA; son, Shawn Norman of Saline, MI; grandsons, Vincent and Zachary Sketteno of Pass Christian; granddaughters, Danielle Wilcox of Diamondhead; Rileigh Norman of Metairie; Victoria Norman, Remy Norman and Annelise Francis of Marrero, LA. The family requests the memorial donations be made to Samaritan's Purse.org. Funeral Services will be held at a later date at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street, Gulfport, MS. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street in Gulfport, is honored to serve this family. View and sign online tribute at WWW.BOKFH.COM