Sam Sebastiani

1940 - 2025

Sam Sebastiani
November 19, 1940 - October 9, 2025
Sam Sebastiani lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired all who crossed paths with him. On October 9th, he passed peacefully, leaving behind a life rich with joy, connection, and care that will endure in the hearts of those he cherished. His impact is intertwined deeply in the vines and valleys of Sonoma - a reflection of his family's history, his work, and his impact on the community. But to those closest to him, Sam was so much more than what the public could see.
Sam loved his family, his community, and the natural world.
Family taught him tenderness and individuality, and showed him that love can exist even within rejection. His family brought him his greatest joy. His roots ran deep within his community - a place he supported and drew strength from, a place where he knew his family would always belong. Nature held his heart. From the grapes that bore the fruit of his family's legacy to the hills of Sonoma where he hiked and rode horses as a boy, Sam found solace and peace in the outdoors. The quiet moments surrounded by nature was where he was his happiest.
Sam's humble and engaging ways endeared him to everyone he met. To him, the busboy was as important as the proprietor. His staff mattered more to him than himself. He valued each person's story and had a gift for listening and connecting.
At home, his love of animals and photography flourished. His dogs, koi, ravens, and the local wildlife inspired him daily. He delighted in teaching his twin granddaughters the names and songs of birds. To his adult grandchildren, he never stopped teaching through each stage of their lives. He passed on lessons in fishing, ethical hunting, cooking, and life as a whole - always with patience, a side of humor, and sage advice.
Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Robin, who shared with him over 22 years of laughter, tenderness, and partnership. Together they built a home filled with warmth, open doors, and countless "Sunday Fun Days" that brought family together.
Family was at the heart of his story, and he cherished each person who called him theirs especially his children - Lisa Mertens (Mike), Moira Kelly, Joseph Sebastiani, Elizabeth Barrick, and Christopher Sebastiani (Robyn) as well as Jonathan Sebastiani (Carol), Michael Sebastiani (Anne Marie), Richard Chretien (Sarah), and Joe Chretien (Erica).
Sam was preceded in death by his oldest son Sammy, whose memory remained imprinted on his heart.
He is also survived by his sister Mary Ann Cuneo (Richard) and brother Don Sebastiani (Nancy), along with a large and loving extended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, lifelong friends, and his devoted "wolf pack" of Labradors.
Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass, Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 469 3rd Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be said Monday, November 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 469 3rd Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476 Live Stream via St. Francis Solano Church Facebook.
Memorial Contributions preferred to Sonoma Plaza Beautification https://www.sonomavalleywomansclubfoundation.org/donate
Sonoma Valley Volunteer Firefighters https://sonomavolunteerfirefighters.org/
Michael J. Fox The Parkinson's Foundation https://www.michaeljfox.org/