Samuel Edward Argo, chief engineer emeritus, farmer
Samuel “Sam” Edward Argo passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was born Feb. 2, 1952, to the late Earl Edward and Pearl Davidson Argo. Sam would grow up in the heart of Milton and call it home his entire life. His faithfulness to family, fire service, and farming kept him rooted here, but his quick wit, laugh, and love of life made him well-known throughout Sussex County and beyond.
Graduating from Cape Henlopen High School in 1970, Sam was a member of the first graduating class of the consolidation of Milton, Lewes, and Rehoboth. Immediately after school, he learned the masonry trade and became employed by George Chappell Masonry. Eventually, he decided to start his own business, Sammy Argo Masonry. While masonry was his trade, his love for the land and farming was a huge part of his life. One of the family traditions that he kept alive was growing pole lima beans! In the ‘70s, Sam and Jeany opened their first produce stand in Milton, Amy Sue Produce, and then eventually they took over Bozies Produce in Dewey Beach, which was owned by Jeany’s father. Together, they (along with their two daughters) built a thriving produce business, and Sam continued to farm and supplemented the produce stand. In 2005, they retired from the produce business, but he continued to farm and harvest crops as more of a hobby.
His second passion was the fire service, joining as a junior member in 1969 and becoming a lifetime member in 1989. Sam’s love for firefighting and serving his community never wavered until he could not physically attend anymore. He served many roles in Milton Fire Department, but his most honorable position was chief engineer. In 2022, he was bestowed the honor of chief engineer emeritus. Sam was also the main “dumpling cook” for the countless chicken and dumpling dinners served – the pot could not leave the stove until he said it was ready!
Sam is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jeany Furniss Argo; daughters, Amy Argo-Jones (Finley) and Stefani Argo-Larson (Chip), three grandchildren, Fin Jones IV, Emma Jones and Allen Larson (Rebecca); and one great-grandchild, Rylynn Larson. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Warrington (Jim); niece, Staci Warrington; his brother-in-law, Dale Furniss (Connie); nephews, Dale Jr., Travis and Kyle Furniss; and his well-loved and spoiled pets, Ginger, Ruby and Sampson. Sam is also survived by a son he chose, Kyle Rager, and many close and special friends. A special thank you to all of the loving and supportive hospice staff who helped the family care for Sam in his final days.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Short Funeral Services chapel, 416 Federal St., Milton, where a time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 11 a.m. Burial with full fireman’s honors will be in Milton Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; or Milton Fire Department, 116 Front St., Milton, DE 19968.
