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Sam Victor Sarao
1943-2019
Sam Victor Sarao, 76, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019. He was born in Houston, TX to parents, Mary Ann & Andrew J. Sarao, Sr.
Sam graduated high school from St. Pius X, and received his BA and MED from St. Thomas University in Houston, TX. He was a teacher at Sam Houston High School for 30 years. Sam was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, council 2917.
He is survived by his siblings, Andrew J. Sarao, Jr., and Ann Marie Sarao Deason (Jerry); nephew, Stephen Deason (Mel); great-nephews, Nathan Deason and Drew Deason.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 1, 2019 from 5-8 PM at Heights Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10 AM the following morning at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Heights Funeral Home.
I just learned of Sam's passing yesterday from a Sam Houston alumni website. He was one of the most inspirational teachers I ever had; his classes were never boring, never! He truly loved teaching, and it is hard to believe he is gone so soon. My condolences to all his family and I will visit him the next time I am home.
Tracy Lott, SHHS 76'
Tracy Lott
Student
December 15, 2020
Sammy I wanted you to know I miss you so much and you meant so much to me. You were very special and I was so grateful I had you as my brother. I will always treasure the memories I have. Rest In Peace Sammy.
Love Your Sister Ann Marie
April 1, 2020
A.J. and Ann Marie, I was saddened to run across Sammy's obit. It's been many years since I've seen or heard from any of you, but my grandma Isabelle Maddox lived next door to your family on Omar St. I spent many an enjoyable time with your family on crabbing trips to the bay and just visiting. I loved your Mom so much. I will always remember the Sarao family
. I lived there with my grandma a year in the early 50's. Sammy was 9 yrs. old and Ann was 5, I believe. Long time ago but such great memories. So sorry for your loss. I am 82 years old.
Leah Stephens
March 15, 2020
Mr. Sarao was my history teacher at Sam Houston Sr. High School in 1979. He was a truly great educator and all of his students loved him. I remember him well for his cheery disposition; his use of multi-colored chalk when writing the day's lessons on the blackboard, and I especially remember how he would end every assignment on the blackboard with his iconic "Ole!, Ole!" Our class loved this teacher so much that we all bought t-shirts that year that had a mouth with a mustache over it and the words "Sam's Kids" emblazoned on them. I have thought of him often over the past 40 years and I am truly saddened to learn of his recent passing. Godspeed to you, Mr. Sarao. You made a positive impact on my life and the lives of many other students. Yours was a life well spent.
-George Kalas
Sam Houston Class of 1980
George Kalas
February 12, 2020
Sam was a favorite classmate of mine at SPX. He was always so nice and a pleasant fellow to be around. I am so happy he found his passion in teaching. May he rest in peace.
Shirley Sanders Seymour
January 3, 2020
While talking with Mr. Sarao's sister Ann at the visitation last night, I had a vivid memory of him talking excitedly in front of the class, gesticulating and holding a piece of chalk. I remembered that he had a bent finger on one hand. I don't know where these things are stored in our brains because I certainly haven't thought about this in 30+ years, but was glad I asked Ann about it. It was a very intimate and personal moment for me with a man's family, a man I hardly knew but that left more than that visual impression on me! He was the penultimate teacher that made history come alive and inspired us to want to know and learn more. He made an impact on this world of ours and made a lasting and energetic impression on it. What a gift he gave us.
Beth Green McConnell
January 2, 2020
I cant reflect back on high school without thinking about Mr. Sarao (and Mr. Saraos brother A.J., of course)! Mr. Sarao was not only my History teacher, but he was the sponsor of the Young Americans Club (YAC), the Bowling Club, and more importantly his classroom was located directly across from my home room and English class. When he learned that I was the last of my siblings at Sam Houston, he penned a new name for me... Baby Buck... a nickname that would stay with me FOREVER! Actually, I dont think he ever called me by my given name! Mr. Sarao made learning fun! Through the YAC, he taught us or rather showed us his love for life via adventures and numerous club outings. Whether we were biking through the Memorial area, experiencing The Renaissance Festival, or going to Six Flags over Texas in Dallas, to name just a few, Mr. Sarao (along with his brother A.J, who helped chaperone) provided many wonderful opportunities for his students!!! Im also proud to say that I got to know Mr. Sarao as an adult, too! As a dear friend of our family and through the Knights of Columbus 2917, I had the wonderful opportunity to continue my friendship with him at many Council events. Mr. Sarao will truly be missed! I know, however, he will always live on in memory not only with me but with all of the many students who were blessed with having him in their lives. Rest In Peace Mr. Sarao.
Carol Buck Tegethoff
Sam Houston HS Class of 79
Carol Buck Tegethoff
Student
January 2, 2020
I was a student at Sam Houston in the 70's. I was not fortunate enough to be placed in Mr. Sarao's class but many of my friends were. By all their accounts, he was a wonderful teacher who made learning fun. I do remember Mr. Sarao around campus and his involvement in school events. He was only about 10-12 years older than us and he related with us in a way that our older teachers could not. The photos in our yearbook capture him just as I remember always smiling.
Sharon (Fowler) Walter
January 2, 2020
I was so fortunate to have Mr. Sarao for history at Sam Houston High School. He made history so fun and so relevant. Always smiling. I have wonderful memories of being in his class.
Sharon Evans
January 1, 2020
I was lucky enough to be in Mr. Sarao's 11th grade US History class in 1977. We played weekly Jeopardy games and I remember bringing history alive by recreating IwoJima/Okinawa scenes for class. He was an awesome teacher!
Dana Green Walton
December 31, 2019
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. BILL WITOVEC ST PIUS X CLASS OF 1956
December 31, 2019
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY BILL WITOVEC ST PIUS X CLASS OF 1959
BILL WITOVEC
December 31, 2019
BILL WITOVEC
December 31, 2019
Sam Sarao, My deepest sympathies to all the family. You are are in my heart and mind. May you rest in peace with our Heavenly Father.
Michelle Vitanza Fagan
Family
December 31, 2019
Michelle Fagan
December 31, 2019
Mr. Sarao was one of my favorite teachers. I had him for American History and loved his lectures while I was busy copying all of the information from the wrap around black boards. Every day they were filled with interesting facts, all handwritten by him, in many different colors of chalk. I thought he must have spent hours at the end of the day to erase and then write the next days lessons. He was one of those rare teachers that students gravitate to. He nurtured my love of history and encouraged me to gain knowledge from my grandparents before they were gone. I last saw him at a class reunion maybe 20 years ago and he was smiling and laughing and talking to everyone as if he remembered specifically that person from 20 years before. Rest In Peace Mr. Sarao and my condolences to the family of such an amazing person.
Gwen Bell (Moreland) class of 1976
December 31, 2019
I was blessed with having Mr. Sarao as my American history teacher at Sam Houston HS. Attending his classes was a joy and his enthusiasm for the subject set the class tone.
I have also been blessed to visit with him and his brother in recent years when I have attended some of the KC dinner events with my mom. Rest In Peace, Mr. Sarao!
Gayle (Wind) Shearer (SH'74)
December 30, 2019
Sam Sarao, May you Rest In Peace sir!!
Melissa Jarratt
December 30, 2019
Mr. Sareo was an awesome teacher! He was one that I always remembered. He was positive and always encouraged his students to learn and do well. Rest in the peace of Christ Mr. Sareo!
Darleen Fancher Hunold
December 30, 2019
Rest in peace, Mr Sarao
SH class of 1976
A.M.
December 29, 2019
Mr. Sarao was my favorite teacher (History) at Sam Houston (Class of 1982). He was also the sponsor of the Chess team and Current Event Sweepstakes (CES) team. He was a teacher and a mentor. So many lessons: interacting with those of differing opinions, organizational skills, preparation, and displaying grace regardless of the outcome. I will always remember how he used old textbook covers as folders to keep things organized. I truly appreciated his manner. His influence lives on through his students.
David Holcomb
December 29, 2019
Mr. Sarao was a kind man with a heart of gold. He was a teacher and mentor. I am a graduate of Sam Houston in '82. I had Mr. Sarao for history, he sponsored the chess club, and current events sweepstakes team. He gave his time freely; I learned much beyond history from him. Truly his a life continuously celebrated in the lives of his students. I thank and salute him.
David Holcomb
December 29, 2019
I was in Mr Sarao' s class at Sam Houston, Class of 82. He was a very interesting teacher and a very nice person. Sorry to hear of his passing. Peace and prayers to his family.
Donna Wagner
December 29, 2019
So sad to hear about the passing of Sam Sarao. My #1 teacher of all time. 76 is young to leave this world. May you Rest In Peace and walk with Our Lord in his Kingdom.
Donna Davenport Patterson
SH 74
Houston, Tx.
December 29, 2019
My most favorite teacher. RIP Mr. Sarao our class so wished we had met up with you at one of our reunions. You were and are so well thought of.
Donna Davenport Patterson SH 74
Houston, Texas
December 29, 2019
My homeroom teacher. He will be greatly missed.
Deborah Hensel
December 29, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about Sam Sarao's passing. He was my Government teacher at Sam Houston High School around 1974-1975. He was well liked by everyone and I really enjoyed his class. He was strict but also made me laugh. The class was hard for me, but he always helped with learning. My prayers go out to family. May he Rest In Peace.
Melissa Epps-Jarratt
December 29, 2019
Such a loss for the world. He was a great teacher and role model. He will be missed. May peace and comfort ease those who loved him and those he loved.
Manuel Perez
December 29, 2019
He was an incredible teacher. Loved his class.
December 29, 2019
Family and friends. May God bless Sam and his family with peace and faith that Sam is as we pray to be with our Savior. May the blessings of God, Father,Son and Holy Spirit be with Sam and now and always.
Michael Kloss and family.
Michael Kloss
December 29, 2019
I attended both Christ The King and St. Pius X High School with Sammy. He was a kind and gentle soul. I never heard him speak a unkind word about anyone. May he rest in Peace
Darrell Stallworth
December 29, 2019
December 27,2019
Sammy is my brother-in-law who I wii be missing. He & I were the same age (76). His birthday was August 30,1943 and mine is August 31, 1945. For few years (6 years) I lived on Redan and he lived on Omar ( few blocks). We went to Travis elementary for 1 year, then my family move, to YALE street. I married his sister in 1965 (Ann),and regained our friendship. Sammy and I had the same interest in historical events and in historical subjects. I know that GOD has accepted Sammy into his kingdom, because he was faithful in his CATHOLIC beliefs and live a Christian life.
Thank you for being a wonderful brother-in-law,
Jerry Deason
December 27, 2019
Sammy is my brother-in-law, who I enjoyed to be associate with. Sammy & I enjoyed historical subjects and historical events. I will miss Sammy. I know that GOD will except him in his kingdom. Sammy excepted death peacefully, with no signs of his illness.
I love you,
Jerry Deason
AMMYMISS
December 27, 2019
Paul Vitanza
December 26, 2019
My cousin, Sammy, was one of the kindest persons you would have ever meet. His love for teaching was well known. Second only for his love of being a Christian. As a Catholic he practiced his faith everyday. He will be missed by his family and friends. May he rest in the arms of his Lord. Amen.
Paul Vitanza
December 26, 2019
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