Laura C. Sammartino 1949-2026

Laura will always be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She will never be forgotten for her beautiful smile, her courageous spirit and her remarkable sense of humor — she was truly the queen of “one-liners.”

She was born on June 17, 1949, in Youngstown, the daughter of Sam A. “Cy” and Angela Yonnotti Ciminero, and was a lifelong area resident. Laura was a 1967 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and attended classes at Youngstown State University.

Laura was a proud homemaker and the true matriarch of her family. Her family was always her top priority, and she supported them wholeheartedly in every endeavor. She never missed her children’s or grandchildren’s activities and took immense pride in their accomplishments. Laura was an exceptional cook who lovingly carried on her family’s cherished Italian traditions in her kitchen.

She was a lifelong member of St. Charles Borromeo Church, where she served as a Eucharistic minister. Laura was also one of the founders of the parish festival and volunteered for many years. She was very active in the Home and School Association, serving as past president.

At the age of 42, Laura was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Through 34 years of living with the disease, her strength, perseverance and unwavering positive attitude never wavered. Her courage was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Laura leaves behind to cherish her precious memory her beloved children, Christopher (Lisa) Sammartino of Canfield; Matthew Sammartino, with whom she made her home in Boardman; Jennifer (Jason) Codrea of Westerville; and Larry (Jenna) Sammartino of Poland. She adored her six grandchildren, Francesca, Christopher, Giavanna, Mia, Emma and Giuliana. She is also survived by her brother, Sam (Sandra) Ciminero of Poland; her sister, Janice (John) Schroedel of Cleveland; her nephews, Michael Ciminero and Sam A. Ciminero; her nieces, Laura Ciminero, Christa Schroedel and Madeleine Schroedel; along with many loving cousins and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Laura was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Nicole Sammartino.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

A prayer service will be held at 10:20 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7345 Westview Drive, Boardman, with the Rev. Father William Wainio as celebrant and the Rev. Father Richard Murphy as concelebrant and homilist.

Entombment will take place in Green Haven Memorial Gardens, Canfield.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Joseph Zeno, Dr. James Enyeart and especially Laura’s home health caregiver, Kat Martynyszyn, for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Laura over the years and throughout this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made to the Laura C. Sammartino Scholarship Fund, c/o Ursuline High School, 750 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Laura’s family.

(special notice)