Obituary: Samuel Richard Frontiera

Longtime corrections officer and charter boat captain passes away at 81

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Samuel Richard Frontiera, a 22-year veteran of the Department of Corrections and a charter boat captain on Lake Michigan, has passed away at the age of 81 in Batesville. Frontiera was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1944 to Samuel Frontiera and Yolanda Victoria Ragusa and came from a proud Sicilian family background.

Why it matters

Frontiera's obituary highlights the life of a dedicated public servant and outdoorsman who had deep roots in the Midwest and a passion for his Italian heritage. His passing is a loss for his local community in Batesville as well as his extended family across Michigan.

The details

Frontiera worked for over 22 years in the Department of Corrections before retiring and becoming a charter boat captain on Lake Michigan. He was a member of the New Hope Community Church in Shelby, Michigan and enjoyed cooking, fishing, and golfing in his free time. Frontiera is survived by his wife, children, stepchildren, siblings, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

  • Samuel Richard Frontiera passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • Frontiera was born on December 18, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan.

The players

Samuel Richard Frontiera

An 81-year-old resident of Batesville who worked in the Department of Corrections for over 22 years and was a charter boat captain on Lake Michigan after retiring.

Vickie Hampton Frontiera

The wife of Samuel Richard Frontiera.

New Hope Community Church

The church in Shelby, Michigan where Frontiera was a member.

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The takeaway

Frontiera's life and career highlight the important contributions that public servants and outdoorsmen can make to their local communities. His Italian heritage and passion for activities like cooking, fishing, and golfing also showcase the diversity of interests and backgrounds that enrich small-town America.