Obituary of Samuel Anthony Rodrigues

It is with deep sadness that our beloved Samuel Anthony Rodrigues 88, passed away on February 15, 2023, at Community Hospital in Monterey. With his wife by his side Sam passed peacefully to his Eternal Heavenly home. Sam was born November 18, 1934 on 6th Street in Monterey to Phyllis (Soto) Rodrigues and Joseph Rodrigues. Through his maternal heritage Sam was a sixth generation Californian but through his Hispanic and American Indian lineage it was tenth generation Californian. Joseph contracted tuberculosis and was hospitalized in King City where he passed away in 1936. Phyllis also had tuberculosis and was placed in a Salinas hospital. At this time Sam entered the foster care system. His first home was in Salinas, then he went to the Johnson's in Marina, his last placement was with the Valdez family in Pacific Grove. When Mr. Valdez passed away Sam returned to his mother at 14. Mr. Valdez taught Sam powerful work ethics to be successful in life. Mr. Valdez took Sam with him when he gardened in Pebble Beach and paid him for his work.

After he moved back to Oak Grove with his mother, Sam continued with his well taught work ethics. He sold the San Jose Mercury Newspaper in Fort Ord, washed pots and pans at Fort Ord Hospital, set up the marquee at the State Theater in Monterey, worked at Richfield gas station, was a golf caddy, fished sardines on the A. N. Lucido purse seiner, washed and cleaned cars for a car dealer in Monterey, then he learned how to paint cars from Stanley Temple. He painted the first "candy apple red" vehicle in this area.

Now it was time to get serious about business. He opened Sam's Auto Sales in Seaside selling used cars. This was his favorite business. In 1969 Sam became a partner in Derry's ShadowBox Bar in Seaside. One of the customers was selling his gas station next door so he jumped at the deal because it would be perfect to fix up used cars and sell them there. He was too busy with his own customers there wasn't time for a used car business too. Sam sold his partnership in the Shadow Box Bar and went into partnership with Donald Smith (Smitty) and they bought the Sportsmans Club Bar in Seaside. After several years Sam sold his share to Smitty's daughter, Michelle and she still owns the bar. Full concentration was now on Sam's BP Service Station until he sold it in 1998. Sam's nickname was Seaside Sam.

On January 27, 1967 Sam was united in marriage to Phyllis Ahrenstorff. They resided in Seaside, Pacific Grove and lastly moving to the San Benancio area of Salinas in 1980. Raising their children, Sam Jr., Vicki, Eva, Michael, Jeri, and Joseph kept them pretty busy. Sam and Tim Foote coached Michael and Joey in the Seaside Little League baseball for the Braves. Sam Jr. played Pony League baseball. Then there was Pop Warner Football, girls Bobby Sox softball, cub scouts, Brownie girl scouts, motorcycle riding. High school added more sports, football, softball, baseball, basketball, and wrestling.

In 1982, Sam and Phyllis began their hobby of raising and racing homing pigeons. They were members of CMS Club (Carmel Monterey Seaside), S H P Club (Salinas Valley), GRP Club (Gilroy) also state and national members. After Sam retired in 1998, he took over Phyllis' chores! They enjoyed lots of trips to the races they entered, lots of friends and of course their winnings too.

Sam and Phyllis are members of St. Ansgars Lutheran Church in Salinas.

Those left to cherish his memory are: sister: Josephine Sakrison, sisters-in-law: Norma Ahrenstorff and Bertie Steele Children: Samuel Rodrigues Jr., Victoria Aliano (Peter), Eva Rodrigues

Grandchildren: Dante Rodrigues, Christopher Aliano (Mandy), Jackie Myers (Nick), Frank Aliano (Caitlyn), Kristy Clark (Clayton), Heather Rodrigues, DeVaughn Oreaboe, Cache Oreaboe, Jennifer Gabbert (Kyle)

Great Grandchildren: Ryder Aliano, Carter and Cameron Myers, Joey and All Aliano, Michael and McKenna Rodrigues

Billy, Jesse, Anthony White, Cali Clark, DeVaughn Rodrigues, Shyanne White, Destiny Garret (David) Morgan and Chloe Gabbert

Great-Great Grandchildren: Zander Estrada, Levi Garret And very special people: Donna, Tim, Lori, and Stevie.

Family that predeceased: Mother and Father, Brother: Donald Rodrigues (AKA Wade Steele),

Sons: Joseph Rodrigues, Michael Rodrigues, Raymond Rodrigues. Daughter: Jeri Oreaboe

Grandsons: Wayne Rodrigues, Billy White. Daughter in law: Cindy Rodrigues