Sad Day

[Jess]

Today is a very sad day for all in the Rotary community.

Sam Costanzo died this morning after a brief battle with cancer. Without his dedication and devotion to the Suzuki Re5 and Hercules W-2000 for the last 40 years, none of us would be riding them and they would have been relegated to the scrap heap or a museum curiosity.

Sam was a factory liaison for Suzuki and was with them from the inception of the project. He knew more about the Re5 than anyone on Earth. He spent the last 40 years producing and suppling parts to keep our beloved bikes on the road. In addition, he was always available to help with advice or technical assistance to anyone who asked. It is without question that he truly loved these bikes and spent the better part of his life keeping them on the road.

On a personal note, Sam was one of the finest people I have ever known. Men of his character, honesty and integrity are rare in today's world. I am a proud to have known him and been able to call him my friend.

He will be missed...

Regards,

Jess Stockwell

[aerologic]

Goodbye Sam!!! What a great guy. He spent time on the phone, explaining things to me more than once, and never complained. An honorable man.

[ziggystardust]

Sad news as I have just returned this evening from a well established motorcycle show in the South West of England.

I was showing my RE5A over the weekend in the Vintage Japanese Section, Sam made it possible to restore my A model to the condition it's in today and this has given myself and my wife Janet much pleasure riding the RE5 and also attending shows throughout the U.K.

Against heavy competition within the Vintage Japanese Section I managed second place to a 1967 Kawasaki Avenger, I dedicate my achievement today to Sam for making this possible, I'll add to the engraving on the trophy, 'In memory of Sam'.

Condolences to Sam's family.

Lee.

[thebikeguy]

Thanks for this information

its never easy but to those closests to him I hope that you can smile again soon

God,s speed to you Sam

R.I.P

[RE5Gary]

Oh No.....I was hoping to meet him someday, maybe at a rally set up by the message board members that he could attend. I did get to correspond with Sam via email and was always amazed at how fast and friendly his responses to my questions were. Thank You Sam. I may not have been able to meet you in person but you will always be in our memories for what you have done to keep the Suzuki RE5's a reality instead of a bike that we only read about from the past. My Condolences and Best Wishes to Family and Friends.

[tom93gts]

Thats very sad to hear.
I only spoke to SAm one or 2 times on the phone but had numerous email correspondence with him. He will be greatly missed, I also thought it would be very cool to meet him some day.

Just think where our RE5's would all be without him, or rather wouldn't be. Thanks for everything you have done for me and all the community Sam!

[shavron]

I'm so sorry to here one of the great ones has past. Sam was always eager to spend time to give you any help or info. I am glad Karen and I had the privilege to meet with Sam @ Mid-Ohio this summer. His knowledge went past just the RE-5. he taught me more about the RE-5, the Water Buffalo, Indian 4 and more. So much I'd be lucky if I remembered 1/3. He truly will be remembered and live on in every one who knew him and the RE-5s he kept alive and brought back.
Lets raise a toast to Sam!

[Jess]

Here is a Photo of Sam and Tracy. I took this in June of 2009.

[re5man]

Thankyou Jess for posting the picture.I can finally see the person I have dealt with in the past,always helpful and interested in my endeavours.I'm sure like everyone else,when working on our RE5'S,Hercules W2000,riding our rotaries or ordering parts from Rotary Recycle,Sam Costanzo's name will be passing through our thoughts. Regards,Shaun.