The Sachem school district and its community have lost one of its first, and true icons. One of the last of his generation as an original Sachem administrator and coach, Samuel J. “Santo” Cario passed away peacefully during the last week of October, at the age of 95 in his Florida home.
Born on October 15, 1930, Cario lived a remarkable life defined by integrity, discipline, and compassion. A proud U.S. Marine, he served honorably during the Korean conflict and carried the values of service and leadership throughout his life.
After his military service, Cario pursued his passion for athletics at Cortland State Teachers College, where he competed in wrestling and cross country. His athletic foundation was shaped under legendary coach Sprig Gardner at Mepham High School, where he never lost a varsity match and won Long Island titles at 103 and 112 pounds.
In 1955, after graduating from Cortland, Cario was hired by the Sachem Central School District as its first wrestling coach and one of the earliest educators chosen by founding superintendent Walter C. Dunham. Working closely with athletic director Dave Rothenberg, he built Sachem’s wrestling program from a small room at Gatelot Avenue into one of Long Island’s most respected teams.
Cario’s influence extended beyond athletics. He taught math and history, served as a counselor, and later became principal of Wenonah Elementary School in Lake Grove, leading from 1971 until his retirement in 1986.
Beyond his professional legacy, Cario was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He met his wife, Louisa Stahl, at Cortland, and together they built a life centered on love, family, and purpose.
Inducted into the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016, Cario’s story is woven into the fabric of Sachem’s history—a Marine, coach, and mentor whose life embodied leadership, loyalty, and love.