Samuel Joseph Hackett

1924 - 2013

Samuel Joseph Hackett died Friday, October 11, 2013, in Ventura, at age 88, surrounded by his family. He was born December 21, 1924, in New Castle, Indiana to Clyde and Inez Hackett. He entered the United States Navy in 1942, at age 17, to fight in World War II. He travelled on Navy ships to many places: South America, Cape Horn, the Philippines, and the Marianas. There was an explosion on one ship and he lost his hearing in one ear, permanently.

Sam was in Times Square in New York City when it was announced the war was over. After the war he attended college at Ball State University, Indiana and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. He moved to California with his wife Doris Hackett and their son Jeffrey Hackett to begin his teaching career. Sam earned his Master's Degree from USC and in 1961 moved to Ventura with Doris and family. He was a resident of Ventura for 52 years teaching U.S. Government and Economics at Buena High School for 24 years and Physical Geography at Ventura College for 30 years.

Sam loved to play golf with his friends. He taught himself to play the banjo, the mandolin and the dobro guitar. Sam also joined the Old Time Fiddlers. He has been playing his banjo with his friends Skip and Gene at Zoey's in Ventura for 10 years. On the Tuesdays they didn't play at Zoey's the three played music together at Sam's house.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Doris Hackett in 2005.

Sam is survived by his son Jeff Hackett and his wife, Theresa; granddaughter, Meredith Anderson; and great- grandsons, Ian Anderson and Henry James Anderson, all of Gahanna, Ohio; son, Joe Hackett of Ventura.

He is survived by daughter, Brenda Vizzo of Ventura; granddaughter, Emily Vizzo of San Diego; grandchildren, Angela Vizzo, Alissa Vizzo, Matthew Vizzo and his wife Jessica Vizzo; two great-grandsons, Matthew Vizzo and Mason Vizzo. His granddaughter Andrea Vizzo of Washington, D.C., grandchildren; Eliane Vizzo, Amanda Vizzo, Nicholas Vizzo and Estella Vizzo, all of Ventura. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Matt Vizzo. The family would like to thank Matt, for all his help over the years with repairs at Sam's house. When Sam couldn't drive anymore Matt suggested a cart he could drive and he has been happily zipping around on it ever since.

Sam loved to use his computer and to e-mail. He learned how to text, and texted family members daily. Everyday, until a few weeks ago, he drove his cart to Two Trees Cafe, sat with his buddies Skip and Gene and had coffee. Then he circled Ventura Community Park two times (he used the term "doubled") sometimes riding to Buena High School. Sam loved his Mustang, and studying the weather.

He was a proud grandfather and loved all of us and we loved him, too.

"We'll miss you, Dad."

A memorial service for Samuel will be held at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road in Ventura, on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at 2 p.m..

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.