Sam Reifel

In memory of Sam Reifel

Okuu T'sawae ("Turtle from the Misty Mountain")

New York City and Santa Clara Pueblo

October 1978 - February 2025

Sam was born in NYC while his parents were working on an ambulance service in the South Bronx. Sam entered the spirit world a year ago after a lengthy illness. He was laid to rest at Santa Clara Pueblo in February 2025.

His dad Robert is from New York City; his mom Patricia is of Santa Clara Pueblo, NM. His grandmother Agnes Naranjo and great-grandfather Severiano Naranjo were from Santa Clara Pueblo.

Sam worked as a filmmaker and recording artist for musicians in New York City and around the US. He started a real estate brokerage in Manhattan to help his clients, specifically artists, musicians, designers and filmmakers, find great spaces to be successful in.

Sam's advice to us all: "Get outside. Look for the beauty. Have a great adventure everyday."

Thank you Sam. You loved all of the earth, climbing mountains and reaching for the most fantastic experience. You loved all cultures, traveling all over the world and making friends on 6 continents. You were here to make others' lives better.

You loved the mountains, beaches, rivers, far off lakes and streams, open fields and plains. You loved your home, New York City and your wonderful friends and business colleagues. And your other home, Santa Clara Pueblo, NM and all your relatives there. And your special home in the mountains of Chamonix, France.

You loved music, dance, art, films, NYC ferry rides, art galleries and beautiful old buildings. You loved the NY Yankees, NY Knicks and Florida Gators. "Sports therapy ... the place we can go and it's ok to just scream for two hours."

A year ago you left this earth, and still your friends around the USA and the world call your family, sharing the joy you brought them and asking if we need anything! Thank you! We miss you every afternoon and sunset. Today, especially today, we will go out and have an adventure.

Sam is survived by his parents of Santa Fe NM and his devoted loving sister, Peggy Reifel, of Gainesville FL and Santa Clara Pueblo. And many uncles, aunts and cousins from NY, PA, NJ and Santa Clara Pueblo, NM

We would like to thank Sam's uncle Joseph Abeyta, aunt Donna Abeyta, cousin Robert Abeyta, uncle Upton Ethelbah, uncle Jerry Vermillion, uncle Larry, cousin Jon, aunt Bernadette Sanders and family, for all their love, compassion, and help this past year. Thank you to Mr. Gilbert Naranjo for his guidance.

We are grateful for all our Santa Fe and Albuquerque, NM, Gainesville, FL, NYC, NJ, CA, and PA family and friends who have extended their generous hearts to us.

We especially want to thank and extend blessings to Mr. James Naranjo, Governor of Santa Clara Pueblo, for his support, leadership and spiritual guidance during this time.

In Sam's memory, may we celebrate life with joy, humor, generosity and kindness.