Samuel Zapata Obituary
Sam was an old soul. He is most remembered for his engaging conversations, gaining wisdom and respect of his elders, living life to the fullest, having an adventurous spirit, his infectious smile, his laugh and his love for friends and family. A movie and music enthusiast, he appreciated all art forms and discussing his interpretation of them. He had a passion for working out, hiking and running Peters Canyon trails and a special love for the ocean and surfing. He enjoyed and accepted all people, good conversations and found so much joy spending time with his family and friends. A foodie at heart, Sam was always up for a good meal and forever perfecting his grilling techniques.
Along with his parents, he is survived by his brother William M. Zapata of Orange, CA; his paternal grandparents Hector (Rita) Zapata of Portland, OR and Jackie Zapata of Union, OH; his maternal grandparents Robert (Carol) Bailey of Montoursville, PA and Sandra Lehman Bailey of South Bend, IN; his uncles Chris (Megan) Zapata of Springboro, OH, and Micah JR Bailey of Phoenix, AZ; aunt Krista Bailey (Greg Koehler), of South Bend, IN; as well as cousins, great aunts and uncles, and other friends and family who mourn his passing.
Our love for Sam is eternal. It has always been, and is forever, unconditional.
Family and Friends are invited to attend a celebration of life being held on Aug. 4th at the American Legion, 215 15th St Newport Beach, CA 92663 starting at 4:30.
To honor Sam's memory the following options are available....
The Surfrider Foundation
Sam's love of the ocean, and surfing you may donate to The Surfrider Foundation at www.surfrider.org. Click "donate", select "give in honor or in memory."
Life's Bridges is a non-profit organization that helps families with bereavement care through programs, one-on-one support, family support or through community referrals.
Only option available today is to send donations to:
Life's Bridges Hawaii
Attn: Gina Kaulukukui, Executive Director
Ref: In Honor of Sam Zapata
PO Box 1965
Lihue, HI 96766
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Shane Niels
June 15, 2025
Hey brotha we’re coming up on 3 years. Me and the boys just shared your memories and pics for a couple hours. Really miss you my man. Love you bro. Save a spot for me at the big meeting in the sky.
TL
January 19, 2023
May your memories give you peace and comfort of your loved one. Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for the loss of your loved one. May GOD be with you all during this difficult time. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus.
Jay Ducharme
August 17, 2022
Mike and family;
I so very saddened for your tragic loss.
I continue to pray for you and your family that you are able to find peace and comfort in the love and happiness that you all shared with Samuel.
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Ali Aldrich
August 5, 2022
I´m absolutely heartbroken to hear about sam. I´m so sorry for your loss zapata family. He was one of my best friends in middle school. I´ll never forget the memories I had with him. I´m sending love and healing your way.
Love, your neighbor Ali
Leslie Anderson
August 5, 2022
We were heartbroken to hear the news of Sam´s passing.... Our family has so many fond memories of Sam and TELL. I hadn´t see Sam for a few years when my son Pierson was in the same prom group. I wasn´t surprised to see he was the same sweet young man I had remembered. I am so grateful to have a pic of the boys together. I was so sorry to miss his celebration of life yesterday. Pierson attended and said there was a huge crowd. I hope there is some comfort in knowing how much he was loved. Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss....
Michelle Connell
August 5, 2022
Dear friends,
Yesterday we witnessed a beautiful and deeply moving tribute to your much loved Sam. We were so thankful to be there with you to celebrate his short but meaningful life. There was a theme about Sam ~ he was a thoughtful, funny and witty person, a deep thinker who looked at life outside the box, a great friend, brother, son, cousin, grandson and a person who was and is deeply loved. I´ll not soon forget a young Sam who invited an elderly neighbor to his birthday party or that he expected his brussels sprouts to be seared with pancetta! That he loved music of all ages, a good steak and a good laugh. Though I know you will miss him the rest of your days, I wish you peace in your hearts. You must know how much your family is loved by many and our hearts are with you now and always. Rest easy Sam.
The Galasso Family
August 3, 2022
We would like to send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the Zapata family. Sam's charisma and love for life impacted every member of our family. We considered Sam not just a friend, but a member of our family. He has left us with the memory of how to live life to the fullest, be fearless, respect the people around you, and always expand your knowledge.
Jodi Rectanus
July 31, 2022
My heart is with you J. While I did not know Sam personally, I´m sure he inherited and carried on a big part of your beautiful soul with him. Thinking of you and your family.
Kim & Paul Albarian
July 31, 2022
Mike, JJ and Will - Our hearts are broken to know that Sam's short life was taken away. Please know that are you all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We know you have so many magical memories of Sam and that they will be kept close in your hearts. We'll always remember Sam as a little boy at family and birthday parties. Lots of great times together. Our love always, Kim & Paul
The Stichters
July 29, 2022
To know Sam is to love him and never forget him. It brings a smile to remember his thoughtfulness, his curiosity and the humble way he dipped his head when he accepted a compliment or said thank you. Rest peacefully, dear Sam. May you have all the answers to your deepest questions.
Mike and JJ and Will, you loved him well and gave him the freedom to be himself. May the God of comfort give you all measures of peace at this time.
Love you all.
Charlene Pitchess
July 27, 2022
JJ, Mike and Will,
Although I did not know Sam well, I do know what an amazing, caring family he is loved by. Your heartache is immeasurable and I pray everyday that God will continue to help you find solace and strentgh. All my love and supportCharlene
Rhonda, Chris and Lucas Welch
July 27, 2022
Our deepest condolences to your family through this difficult time. I remember Sam dropping by our baseball outings over the years and was always impressed by what a great kid he was. Our hearts ache for you. Sending our love and prayers.
Irene & Maddy Marshall
July 27, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking about you all in this difficult time. May God watch over Sam and all of your family.
Poppy & Rita Zapata
July 25, 2022
Our Oregon memories with Sam
A few years ago, Sam came to visit us in Oregon. We spent time at the beach, went to vintage local record shops, because he collected vinyl records. We had many conversations about the kinds of music both of us liked. We had lunch and dinners out and just spent time together. What we remember most was how we spent his last day in Oregon. We asked him what he would like to do. His choice was the Portland Rose Gardens because he knew of Rita´s love for flowers. He took so many pictures. The gardens overlooked the city of Portland. After that we went to local art galleries because he knew Poppy had a love for art. It was all about sharing time with us and what we loved. Sam, we love you. You will always have a special warm spot in our hearts. You left this world way too early, but God has open arms for you. Rest in peace our dear Sam.
Loren Webb
July 25, 2022
I will remember Sam as one of the nicest kids at TPC. I can not understand the loss of Sam is to your family. He will be missed by many, many people.
Ursula Kretschman
July 24, 2022
My heartfelt sympathies on your loss. I did not know Sam but understand from my family (maternal grand parents side) how special of a young man he was. I love his Grandma Jackie and through her can feel the pain of his loss. Sincerely, Ursula Kretschman
Alex Intermill & Family
July 24, 2022
Our deepest sympathies. May the memories and love you shared with Sam persist and give you comfort, just as the oceans he loved.
Travis Caldwell
July 24, 2022
Sending light and love. May his memory be a blessing.
Laura Haniford
July 24, 2022
JJ, Mike, and Will,
We are so sorry and so sad. We hope you have felt all the love that´s been flowing your way. Words just can´t express how sorry we are for the tragic loss of Sam.
Scott Rawlings
July 23, 2022
No words will ease the grief, but hope you all know how deeply saddened I am for each of you and hoping with each passing day the good memories and love for Sam will overwhelm the sadness. He will live on in hearts, minds and memories. Love to you all.
Tim Bean
July 22, 2022
My condolences. Lots of prayers to the entire family for this tragic loss.
Jen Lieras
July 22, 2022
You´ll live on in our hearts, Sam.
Elizabeth and Paul Fenn
July 22, 2022
JJ, Mike and Will-
Continuous prayer for your family as you navigate this pain and loss! I don´t ever think I will look at the ocean again without remembering and honoring Sam. Our love for you is deep! Xo
Ian Robertson
July 21, 2022
I really loved that kid. From the first time he came into the record shop where I worked and asked me about music and movies. Honestly, at first I thought he was like all the other annoying kids who came in, but Sam was different. We would talk sometimes for my entire 8+ hour shifts, sometimes days in a row. He was consistently entertaining and was eager to learn more... about everything, but mostly he wanted to learn about me as a person not just what I knew, and that´s what set him apart from all the other kids that came in that record shop, he was actually interested in expanding his mind and circle. He was always a great listener and made you feel special. He had great taste and opinions and was always eager to share something he found with the people he cares about. I don´t know if he did, but I really hope he knew I thought he was a truly good friend and person. He´s responsible for some of the most profound experiences of my life in many ways. From all the film and music we shared and exposed each other to, I know we both grew as people from knowing each other. I don´t mean to ramble on and on, this loss is devastating. I just.... I don´t know what else to say, but he will be missed, he´ll always be in my mind and memory. He won´t ever be forgotten.
Love always, The Sheffield´s
July 21, 2022
Mike, JJ and Will,
With all our love and prayers as you navigate life on earth. Until we all meet again...by the grace of God we continue on this planet with the help of family, friends and sometimes even strangers. Sam was one sweet, gentle soul and his love and light will shine through all who had the blessing of knowing him.
Krista Donahue
July 21, 2022
JJ, Mike and Will, sending love and strength to you as you navigate this unbearable loss. What a wonderful son you raised, we were all blessed for having known him. His energy, light and smile will always be remembered
Susan & Jeff
July 21, 2022
Our deepest condolences to Michael, JJ and Will.
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