Sinforoso Elefante

May 22, 1924 — August 12, 2018

Mr. Sinforoso (Sammy) Elefante, 94, U.S. Navy Retired, peacefully joined our Creator on August 12, 2018, at his residence in Charleston. He was born on May 22, 1924, the son of Angel Elefante and Manuela Calip Elefante in Santiago, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters and grandson, Samuel Cole Rowland. In 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and faithfully served our Nation for 26 years on a variety of ships and bases. After retiring from the Navy, he served 18 years with the federal civil service. In May 1990, after 44 years in the U.S. Navy and federal civil service, he retired. Sammy enjoyed raising Filipino vegetables, even in Navy housing. His other pursuits include dancing, fishing, crabbing, shrimping, playing cards, and shooting pool with his great grandchildren. In addition to his travels with the Navy, he also enjoyed being a tourist in Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska and the Caribbean. He was a gifted, natural athlete especially in tennis and an avid fan of the Yankees, Redskins, and Celtics. In his 90s, he remained handsome and youthful as a neat and impeccable dresser even in his gardening clothes. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church for over 48 years and was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus.

His survivors include his bride of 64 years, the former Ermelina Albao Elefante. His children are Marianne, husband, Ernie; Ely, wife, Lana; Reynaldo, wife, Alison; and Janet, husband, Paul. His grandchildren are, Mica, husband, Andrew; Megan, husband, Brad; Mallory, husband, Nick; Nicholas, fiance;, Emily; Nicole, husband, Bryan; Ava; Caroline; Ellen; Emma; and Annie. His great-grandchildren are Lyla, Elyse, Lucas and Mckenna. Mr. Elefante was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, neighbor and shipmate to his family and friends. Through his unconditional love, selfless sacrifice and emphasis on education, Sammy sent his children to parochial schools-resulting in 12 undergraduate and three graduate degrees among his children and grandchildren. His selflessness will be remembered for generations.

Funeral Mass at Saint John Catholic Church, North Charleston, August 16 at 9:30 a.m. Family will receive friends at 8:30 a.m. prior to the Mass. As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Elefante will be buried with full-military honors at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery August 16. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Saint John Catholic Church, North Charleston, SC. Following the interment, a Life Celebration will take place at Saint John Catholic Church Hall.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sinforoso Elefante, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

Send a Gift