Marcel Sampey

Marcel Peter Sampey passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 6, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on March 18, 1949, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Joseph and Anna (Malveaux) Sampey. The second of six children, he was the oldest of the three boys among his siblings. Marcel spent his early years in Lafayette and attended Holy Family and Holy Rosary Institute, where he graduated from high school in 1967. He began pursuing higher education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana before choosing to serve in the United States Navy.

Following his military service, Marcel built a long and dedicated career with Amtrak, retiring after approximately 25 years of service. In 1985, he and his wife, Sylvia, relocated to Southern California to raise their children. A private man who spoke few words, he spoke with purpose-what he said, he meant, and what he meant, he said. He had an unwavering work ethic, working tirelessly to provide for his wife and children. His no-nonsense attitude was balanced by his love for his family, and he led by example rather than words-firm in his belief that 'well done is better than well said.' Having attended Catholic school throughout his childhood, Marcel carried with him an intense sense of tradition and values that stayed with him even as he moved away from his hometown to larger cities. That foundation shaped his steady, principled approach to life-one that valued hard work, integrity, and quiet resilience.

True to his roots, Marcel maintained a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. He loved listening to music, good food, and relaxing at home with his family and friends. Despite his laidback and unassuming nature, he had a sharp mind and a natural curiosity. He stayed on top of the latest technology trends, gadgets, and innovations, never one to let the world pass him by. In 2001, he and Sylvia made their final move to Las Vegas, where he embraced retirement on his own terms with the comforts, he cherished the most: his grandchildren, good music and food, and a well-earned drink in hand. Marcel's legacy of hard work, integrity, and love will be carried forward by those who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to share in his life.

Marcel leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 49 years, Sylvia Smith Sampey; his children: Tyra Sampey, Marcel (Anika) Porter, Roxanne Sampey, Shawanna Sampey, Natalie Sampey, and Juliette (Dustin Taylor) Sampey; sixteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sister's Bernadette Mitchell and Anna Marie Sampey; a great-aunt, Mrs. Azelia Malveaux (widow of the late Gradney Malveaux); sister-in-law, Laura Johnson (widow of the late Hubert Johnson Sr.); brother-in-law, Vincent (Gail) Smith; brother-in-law, Sidney (Tracey) Smith; and a host of relatives and friends.

Marcel was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Malveaux Sampey (1975) and Josph Sampey Sr. (1979); his grandchild, Savion Finney (2013); his sister, Helen Sampey (1987), his brother's Joseph Sampey Jr. (2010) and Jerome Sampey (1989); his nephew, Sidney Smith Jr. (2008); and his great-grandfather, William Sampey (1976).