Samuel Joseph Neenan

Sam Neenan, 48, died unexpectedly while on vacation in Negril, Jamaica on February 4th, 2025. Sam was born in Kansas City to Isabelle Beullens Neenan and Joseph Neenan on July 11th, 1976. He was the first of seven children. Sam grew up in Kansas City where he went to St. Elizabeth’s Grade School and Bishop Miege High School, graduating in 1994. Sam worked in various bars and restaurants all over the area eventually becoming a head chef and manager. At one time he was the head chef at an upscale restaurant in Poipu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii and more recently he had been a manager of Minsky’s on Main. After many years in the food service industry, he came home in 2019 to the family business, Neenan Co., where he was the General Manager in charge of operations.

Sam was a big personality. Not only in size but also in spirit. He had a loud booming voice and a wonderful infectious laugh. Sam could tell a story! He loved sitting around a dinner table, campfire or barbeque grill regaling us with his stories of either his or his friend’s adventures. Sam was a super friendly guy who loved talking to new people everywhere. He had many friends from all the various places he visited, both in America and the world. He travelled extensively. He was a voracious reader, who always seemed to have a book at hand. Sam was a good friend and a good boss. His employees universally liked him because he genuinely had their best interests at heart. But most of all Sam was the best big brother and uncle in the world. Big Uncle Sam was a delight to all his nephews and nieces, playing with them and showing them how to shoot off fireworks always with that oversized grin. He leaves a void that can never be filled.

Sam joins his mother, Belle, his sister Teresa and his recently deceased brother Danny in God’s heavenly embrace. He leaves his father, Joe, his stepmother, Pam, his sisters, Cathy Reggiardo (Fed) and Jeanie Launder (Dave), his brothers, Joseph and Nathan (Danielle), stepsister Jackie Wing and stepbrothers Jimmy Wing (Ana) and Shad Wing. Sam also leaves behind sixteen adoring nieces and nephews and a very large family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Sam was our rock. He was the leader of the pack who was always there to cook, plan or supervise. It seems that all holidays and big events started with first talking to Sam. He could cook anything and loved doing it. His favorite task was feeding us and telling us how he prepared the meal. He was very generous and giving.

Sam’s funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church (75th and Main St., KCMO) on Friday, March 28th at 11:00 a.m. There will be a Rosary starting at 9;20 and visitation afterwards. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Sam’s uncle, Rt. Rev. Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB will preside at the Mass.

Sam’s family suggests that in lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to either Conception Abbey, Conception, MO or St. Elizabeth parish. Sam was a tremendous son, a caring and helpful brother, a loving and funny uncle, a good and loyal friend, a considerate and generous cousin, an exceptional boss and employee and much, much more. Sam we miss you so much and look forward to seeing you again in the next life probably sharing a meal and a story.