Samuel Garza Salinas July 15, 1951—April 30, 2024

Our dear brother Samuel Garza Salinas, 72, of Hollister, California entered Heaven on April 30, 2024. 

Samuel was born in San Francisco to Margarito and Maria Salinas. He was a fighter from day one. Born premature and with a hole in his heart, he underwent surgery to correct it at nine years old. His heart would continually prove its strength throughout his lifetime. 

Samuel was raised in San Francisco and graduated from Mission High School in 1969, where he played trumpet with the school band. He continued to make music with street bands even after high school, playing a variety of horn and wind instruments. After high school, he attended San Francisco City College, then worked for Bank of America in San Francisco and later for Amtrak in Oakland in the 1980s. In the early 2000s, he moved to Hollister and worked at Safeway as a gas attendant for ten years. He became well-known and enjoyed helping others and meeting new people. He later worked with DoorDash, which he did soon up until his passing. 

Though Samuel was divorced and never had children, he had a nuclear family with his siblings and their families. He showered his extended family with affection, gifts and laughter, always being a bright light for his siblings, nieces and nephews. Sam also had a soft spot for his niece’s and nephew’s furry friends, treating each one like the valuable family member they were. Being the lively spirit he was, Samuel made friends wherever he went. He was generous, kind-hearted, and funny. 

Samuel was also known to visit Goodwill in Hollister or nearby garage sales, where he would find special little gifts for his loved ones. His knack for finding the perfect gift was uncanny.

The last nine years of Samuel’s life were a gift: after suffering a heart attack and stroke in 2014, doctors told his family he would not survive. His scrappiness and fighting heart would prove them wrong. He continued to bless his family and friends with his generosity, laughter, and mischievous nature until his last day. His family couldn’t have asked for a better brother and uncle and will miss him every day. 

Samuel was preceded in death by his parents Margarito and Maria Salinas, brother David Salinas, sister Yolanda Richter and brother Paul Salinas. He is survived by sisters Mimi Mendolla (Adam), Della Roque (Dan), sister-in-law Sandi Salinas, nephews and nieces Adam Mendolla (Tara), Albert Salinas, Jenny Mendolla Arbizu (Rene), Sabrina Cook, Danny Roque (Maristella) and Priscilla Roque (Edgar); grand-nieces Téa Mendolla and Amelia Roque, and grand-nephews A.J Salinas, Michael Mendolla, Joseph Roque, Matthew Arbizu, Ritchie Roque and Danny Roque Jr. 

Per Samuel’s request, a private cremation will be followed by a private family celebration of his life.