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BORN
1961
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
977 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo, California
Sam Anagnostou Obituary
01/27/1961 - 04/12/2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Sam Anagnostou on April 12, 2025. Born on January 27, 1961, Sam was a dynamo of generosity, positivity, and love for life. We remember Sam "the Greek" as the embodiment of warmth and love; he was a magnetic presence that brought together people cut from every cloth, and a pillar of our family and community. Sam is survived by his sons George and Panos, his partner Vivian, his siblings Sue, John, Gus, and Jeannie, and his many nieces and nephews, who carry on his honor and memory.
Sam was the life of every party, a natural comedian who could fill any room with laughter. He thrived on making others smile. His charisma was undeniable, and his kindness and generosity have touched thousands. He was known for his youthful vitality and his unwavering loyalty. A big kid at heart, Sam was always on an adventure; he could always be seen riding his motorcycle with his friends, surfing a fresh wave, singing and dancing with Akis, or taking long and thoughtful walks with Ismael.
A proud father and devoted son, nothing was more important to Sam than his family. Sam loved his parents, George and Kitsy Anagnostou, and honored them in his daily life. His sons, George and Panos Anagnostou, were the source of his pride; they carry Sam's legacy. He loved and adored his partner, Vivian Nguyen, who brought him so much joy and happiness.
Though his time with us was far too short, the joy and love Sam shared with us will never be forgotten. We will forever cherish the memories of his contagious laughter, his boundless energy, and the deep love he had for all of us. Sam, although we say goodbye to your earthly presence, your spirit lives on in each of us. Legends never die.
Sam's life will be celebrated at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 900 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002-1604, with the Trisagion on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 7:00 pm, and the Funeral Service on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at the Greek Orthodox Memorial Park, 1148 El Camino Real, Colma, CA.
Sam now rests peacefully. Let us come together and unite with him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sam Anagnostou
Sponsored by Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Judge Stephen Hall (Ret)
July 20, 2025
Barbara and I knew Sammy for over 40 years. It started as a professional relationship and soon became a personal one. Our hearts were broken when we learned of Sam's passing.
Thoughts and prayers for George and Panos, your dad was so proud of both of you! Sue, John, Gus and Jeannie are in our thoughts and prayers as well.
Rest in peace my friend, I'll miss our time together.
Tom Woods
May 26, 2025
Men with oversized hearts - and Sammy had one for the ages - feel things deeply and that´s what make them shine. Sammy´s contribution of joy & vitality was unparalleled; we were privileged to behold this shooting star for all too short a window of time.
Diana Rigas Bergeson
May 21, 2025
Just heard the news today as I have been away.
This breaks my heart.
Grew up with him but had not seen him in years and once I did, he recognized me and engulfed me in a huge hug. The man around town who loved everyone and who was loved by all.
My condolences his family.
May we all live like Sam and bring joy, laughter and kindness to all.
Maria Karastamatis Kosmides
May 17, 2025
With our deepest condolences to all of Sam´s family. My husband and I are in denial of the news. We are so very sorry for Sam´s passing and just don´t want to believe it. My friend, Rest In Peace. Always in our mind and heart, you will be greatly missed
Dimitri and Maria Kosmides
Aka Maria Karastamatis
Thessaloniki Greece
Rose Cooper
May 11, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Anagnostou family.
Dawn Longmore
May 9, 2025
My heart is heavy for the loss of such a dynamic man. May your soul find peace.
Donna Ruiz
May 7, 2025
My condolences to your dear sons George and Panos and to your dear parents, family and friends May you rest in peace prayers always with you. Donna Ruiz
Beverly & Tom Maneatis
May 1, 2025
Our deepest sympathy to your whole family! We pray that you will be comforted by the many memories you have of Sam!
Lorraine Chamberlain
April 28, 2025
My heart goes out to Sam´s grieving loved ones...especially his sweet, glamorous Mother, Kitsy, to whom I send my deepest condolences.
The late S.Clay Wilson & I were merely tenants, but loved it when George & Kitsy paid a visit. We adore them & developed a convivial fondness for Sam. I´d call him about something regarding this old Victorian & though often cheerfully helpful, sometimes he´d decline, saying "Sorry, Lorraine-I´m in Hawaii, surfing. You´ll have to pester Sue or Jeannie about that!" Then we´d chat & have a laugh about his extended childhood, living his best life, the envy of all. He never had an unkind word to say, & his positive attitude was contagious. I´m heartbroken for his beautiful family, partner, sons & friends, and send love to them all. Sam was an unforgettable joy to have known.
Cindy and Gregg Georgakas
April 23, 2025
Our heart holds your heart while you grieve.
"The length of our life is love and when we love eternity appears".
My grandfather carried this saying around in his wallet and now my father carries it. I will carry it in mine when he passes.
Sam was a bright beacon of light in so many people´s personal and professional lives and will be sorely missed!
Sending you all our love, strength and courage in the days ahead as you face each day. RIP Sam "The Greek".
Ralph Marinaro
April 23, 2025
Sam was a great friend. We met in College and always kept in touch. My heart goes out his family
Joan Wachter
April 23, 2025
May Sam rest in peace. He will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Elias Tsiknis, Distomon Greece.
April 23, 2025
My dear friend we were sad to
hear that you are no longer with
Your family and friends and are
going to meet with your father George, the man you adored !!!!
Kalon Paradeiso Sam and our
Condolences to the family!!!!
Elias & Loula Tsiknis, Greece...
Kelly Ringer-Radetich
April 23, 2025
Dear Sam,
May you rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to your family & loved ones. My first listing in the Bay Area you brought me the buyer, I´ll never forget that. Blessings. Kelly
Carolina
April 22, 2025
We miss you , my kids and my self we honored you´re amazing family , thank you for your kindness , you will be in our hearts forever
Harold Hong
April 22, 2025
A person I will remember ! I see his smile and warm presence from our last conversation. I will always remember him ! I see his smile as I am writing this message and will remember his full of life feeling.
We talked and he was so, so full of energy and warmth.
I will miss him !!
Harold Hong
Steven and Elena H Minor
April 22, 2025
With a heavy heart, I write these words. Sam brought so much joy to our neighborhood. Steve and I will deeply miss him-whether driving by or riding his motorcycle, he always took the time to stop and chat.
Elizabeth Vella
April 22, 2025
My most heartfelt condolences to Sam's family; such a tragic loss.
David figaro
April 21, 2025
My deepest condolences to Sam and his family I´m sorry for your loss I knew Sam from high school he was a good guy always smiling a positive radiating feeling he always expressed when he was around you he will be missed!
Brent and Paula Edwards
April 21, 2025
Sam was one of a kind. Wonderful friend to our family. Always helpful. Sold us our house that we still live in 26 years ago. We shared the love of cars and Sam always stopped by to show us his new ones. We are grateful to have known Sam. May he rest in peace.
David Yuan and Ingrid Wang
April 21, 2025
Our deepest condolences to Sam and his family! My wife Ingrid and I have known Sam for over 25 years, and we have nothing but the most warm and fond memories of him. He is truly a great human being! RIP!
John and Deb McGrath
April 20, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. Sam was a great guy from a great family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Bob and Patty Goldsand
April 20, 2025
We will remember Sam as a truly nice man who loved life, family, and friends
Linda Brovarney
April 20, 2025
I am so sorry for the family going through this tragedy. May all the happiness of your memories of Sam shine bright. I hope that time eases your pain and know that you have many friends and family to comfort you. Love you.
Tim Rea
April 19, 2025
God Speed Sam; Thank you for everything!
Lilian Cheong
April 19, 2025
My condolences to Sam Anagnostou and his family, and may he rest in peace. I am very grateful to have known him for at least 30 years. He was very kind, caring and helpful to me all the time. He was a very good person indeed!
Lilian Cheong
April 19, 2025
My condolences to Sam Anagnostou and his family, and my he rest in peace. I am very grateful to have known him for at least 30 years. He was always very kind and helpful to me.
Nick Ames
April 19, 2025
Sam was a beautiful man who made me smile every day. I knew
Sam and Panos from real estate
The minute I met Sam I loved him. He inspires and makes you
feel good. I look forward to joining him one day. God Bless,
Nick Ames
Peter Bagatelos
April 18, 2025
Sam was a special man... one who touched so many people who loved being in his presence and now greatly grieve and mourn his death. We will all remember Sam for his kindness, warmth, vitality, welcoming demeanor, great life spirit, and embodiment of pure love for his friends and family. What better legacy can a person leave than nothing but 100% totally positive feelings and affection for someone like Sam. Sam: You were the best!!!
Tom Tornquist
April 18, 2025
Sam was a very close friend for over 35 years It was my former brother-in-law and colleague in our real estate adventures He was always a joy to be with We spent many family events together with all of our sons and daughters So many fabulous long motorcycle rides with large groups He always had a smile on his face and Always had a very positive outlook that was infectious with all the people around him He will be missed by all that ever knew him But he will also live in the hearts of all of us He will never be forgotten
Stephen Buxton
April 18, 2025
We knew him through the Giotinis´ and loved his company. He was always friendly and gracious. Stephen, Hilda & Sean Buxton
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