A Korean War veteran and grandfather who frequently exercised his First Amendment rights by holding signs for thousands of Ocala commuters on State Road 200 has passed away at the age of 90.
Sam Anello passed away from heart failure shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday, according to a statement shared on social media by his daughter, Lisa Joynt. Her post has since garnered thousands of engagements and hundreds of condolences from community members across the political spectrum.
For years, Anello was a daily fixture at the intersection of SW 60th Avenue and State Road 200, standing on the roadside holding political signs, waving at passing traffic, and greeting drivers.
In her statement, Joynt reflected on her father’s life story and his deep dedication to his beliefs.
Born in New Jersey to Italian immigrant parents, Anello served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic flying reconnaissance missions on C-130s during the Korean War. He later owned a painting business and a small engine repair shop in Miami before retiring and relocating to Ocala in the late 1990s.
“I’m sorry to say he passed away a few weeks ago from heart failure, just after his 90th birthday,” said Joynt in the statement. “He was a part of your daily commute for many years. For those of you who honked or waved or stopped to say hello, please know that always made his day so thank you for that.”
A spiritual man with a passion for expression, Anello helped multiple people strengthen their faith. His daughter emphasized that regardless of his political beliefs, Anello was a friend to others in need, and a great father and grandfather.
“Politics aside (even he and I differed and had some good debates over the years) he was a welcoming gentle man and spirit,” wrote Joynt. “He would do anything he could for anybody. He looked out for many homeless and others in need in the area, feeding them and offering shelter on his property over the years. He wasn’t just the man behind the signs… he was a loving father, grandfather, a proud veteran and a friend to many.”
The news of Anello’s passing prompted an outpouring of memories from residents who encountered him during their daily commutes.
Former mail carrier Megan Hardy recalled meeting him at his mailbox to chat during her route, describing him as a “very sweet man.”
Even residents who did not share his political views expressed respect for his dedication and presence in the community. Local resident Melody Council shared that while she didn’t always agree with his messages, she respected his “consistency and faithfulness,” calling him a true staple of the intersection.
Others recalled joining him on the roadside during local events, including a October 2024 flag-waving rally where organizers escorted Anello across SW 60th Avenue so he could join the center of a group photograph.
Joynt expressed gratitude to the many drivers who honked, waved, or stopped to speak with her father over the years, noting that those small interactions always brightened his day.
“He found a purpose in his later years that he was passionate about and that he enjoyed doing, and that’s all that really matters whether you agreed with his politics or not,” Joynt added. “He is and will always be truly missed.”
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