Sebastian Robert "Sam" Mudano

Sebastian "Sam" Mudano, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, in Marietta, Georgia. He was 89 years old.

Sam was born on August 18, 1936, in Winsted, Connecticut, to a family with deep roots in Sicily, Italy. He spent his early years in Connecticut before his family settled in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he came of age, excelled as an athlete, and fell in love with the woman who would become his partner for life. He graduated from Palm Beach High School and went on to earn his degree from Florida State University - a Seminoles fan he remained, proudly and loudly, for the rest of his days.

Sam built his life around service to others - first as an educator, coach, and mentor to young men on and off the field, and then as a driven professional who rose through the ranks of Anheuser-Busch over more than twenty years, advancing as a district manager, and then to a division manager. After retiring from the beer industry, he embarked on a second career in healthcare and physician group management in Thomaston, Georgia. He lived most of his adult life across the Southeast, with Tampa, Florida, claiming the longest chapter before he settled in Marietta, Georgia, in his later years.

But ask anyone who knew Sam, and they won't lead with his résumé. They'll tell you about his laugh. His generosity. The way he could light up a room and make everyone in it feel like the most important person there. He loved sports - playing them, coaching them, watching them - and he poured that same competitive heart into everything he did. He was a provider, a protector, and the kind of father and grandfather who showed up, every time.

Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Yvonne Crosby Mudano, who passed away in 2018, and his granddaughter, the late Emily Penney.

He is survived by his five children and their families:

Dr. Mark Mudano of Augusta, Georgia, and his wife Vicky. Their son Robert Mudano and wife Libby, also of Augusta, are parents to James, Maddie, and John. Their son Michael Mudano resides in Los Angeles, California.

Matt Mudano of Tampa, Florida, and his wife Kathy. Their son Matthew Mudano resides in Tampa. Their daughter Ali Harding and husband David reside in Austin, Texas, with their son Crosby. Their daughter Mia Mudano also resides in Tampa.

Mindy Penney of Atlanta, Georgia, and her husband Charles Penney. Their son Cole Penney and wife Samantha reside in Atlanta. Their son Sam Penney and wife Vivian, also of Atlanta, are parents to Emilia. Their daughter, Emily Penney, preceded him in death.

Maria "Cissy" Wilson of Marietta, Georgia, and her husband Dr. Hal Wilson. Their son Hank Wilson and wife Shoco are parents to Mio and Nico of Brooklyn, New York.

Mitch Mudano of Birmingham, Alabama, and his wife Amy. Their children are Marcus Mudano of Atlanta, Georgia, Joseph Mudano, and Ava Mudano of Birmingham.

Sam is also survived by his sister, Linda Washburn, and her husband Don Washburn.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Agape Care Group, 4900 Ivey Road, Suite 1405, Acworth, GA 30101; georgiahospicecare.com ; info@georgiahospicecare.com ; 888-428-7348.