Samuel "Sam" Leopardo, age 91 years, of Cary, IL (formerly of Arlington Heights). He was born August 25, 1932, in Chicago to James and Mary Arduino Leopardo.

Sam is the beloved husband of Marjorie Rankin Leopardo, whom he married on December 22, 1962, and the loving father of Elizabeth (Rodney) Driscoll and Kathryn (Frank) Asen, dear grandfather of Leah (Jonah) Jackson, Eric Asen, Colin, Sarah, and Adam Driscoll. He was uncle to Lynn (Damron), James (Jo Beth), John (Michelle), Gary, and Michael (Tina) Leopardo, and is further survived by many cousins and special friends. His brother Salvatore and sister-in-law Mary preceded him in death.

Sam was a long-standing member of Southminster Presbyterian Church and a graduate of DePaul University, earning both a Bachelor and a Master of Arts degree. He loved the classroom, teaching US History at St. Ignatius, Elk Grove, and Buffalo Grove High Schools, where he imparted a "usable history" rather than useless, dry facts. His students often voted him "The Teacher From Whom I Learned The Most" and "Favorite Teacher," and upon his retirement, they wrote an article titled "When Mr. Leopardo Speaks, Students Listen." One year after retiring, the senior class honored Sam by inviting him to give their graduation commencement address, and countless students attributed their ability to think and write critically directly to Sam.

Among those closest to him, Sam was known for his generosity, sense of humor, and a deep love for his family, especially his wife, whom he absolutely adored.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 12, 12 PM at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 Central Road, Arlington Heights, IL. A  private burial ceremony will follow at Windridge Memorial Park in Cary, IL. Visitation will take place at the church Friday from 10:30 AM – 12 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Feed My Starving Children at give.fmsc.org would be appreciated.