Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Sami Shakkour Obituary
The third child and first of three sons of Louisa and Mounir Shakkour, Sami was born on Nov. 3, 1953, in New London. A lifelong sports fan and avid tennis player since childhood, Sami completed high school and college in Madison, Wis. Fleeing the infamous winters, Sami eventually sought the warmer climes and lifestyle of southern California, and took his love of the Badgers with him to the San Diego area, where he spent the last 30 years as a financial advisor and dependable tennis partner.
But Sami was much more than a shrewd adviser and good tennis player. Sami leaves behind a huge following of friends along the coast at The Moose Lodge of Oceanside, The Six-Step House in Encinitas, and Ki's Restaurant in Solana Beach. Known for his sharp wit, booming laugh, indomitable spirit, and devoted presence, Sami was most often described as a dependable friend, a compassionate mentor, a reliable source of support and strength to his friends when they needed him most; someone who was always there for them, and for that alone, but also for so many other things, Sami will be so sorely missed by his many friends and family.
Sami is survived by his maternal aunt, Marie Forgione, of Southington; his loving siblings, Leila Shakkour of New York City, Linda Lane of Greensboro, N.C., Camille Shakkour of Manhattan Beach, Calif., and Peter Shakkour of New York City, and their extended families. Sami was also married for five years to Abby Knowlton of Montclair, N.J., who always cared for our dear brother.
A celebration of Sami's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. June 8, at the Palm Valley Country Club, 39-205 Palm Valley Drive, Palm Desert, Calif., with a luncheon to follow. RSVP is appreciated to [email protected] .
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Sami's memory to the Humane Society, http://www.humanesociety.org/, and/or the Andre Agassi Foundation, http://www.agassifoundation.org/, two causes very close to Sami's heart.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sami Shakkour
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
Bert Lauck
May 18, 2024
Rest In Peace Sami
Your Trusted Servant
Bert L
Bryna Ram
May 18, 2021
There is not a week that goes by when I think of Sami and his sense of humor, his sly laughter, and his friendship not only to me but to so many.
In my heart, after all these years, I know he is up there, frolicking, entertaining, enjoying his tennis games and watching out for us all.
Love you, and miss you.
Frederick Park
May 18, 2021
I miss Sami and always will he was a great friend and they are not easy to come by.
Frederick Park
May 18, 2020
Sami was a good friend I certainly will never forget your excellent company catch you on the other side brother.
Robert (Bert) Lauck
May 18, 2020
When I met Sami I was coming out of a particularly difficult part of my life. He showed me how to get back on the radar and be a regular citizen. I will always be grateful.
Thanks Sami - Adios Amigo
Frederick Park
May 19, 2019
Sami you were one of best friends I recall meeting at the coffee shop discussing The Big Short so clearly and your accounts of your endless online dates. You left us too soon. Always, Fred
Abby Knowlton
May 18, 2019
Cant believe its been 6 years. I pray you are smiling and at peace, hanging with Ken and the kitties. Give them all a kiss for me. Your loving X
LINDA MARIANI
May 18, 2019
I have such pleasant memories of Sami. Memories of him bring back the good old says growing up with fine friends in New Londoon. So Sad to hear of his passing.
Julia Cortez
April 10, 2015
My condolences to the Shakkour family.
the entire kitty crew
May 8, 2014
Buster & Nala
May 8, 2014
Bubbles
May 8, 2014
Spider - "man"
May 8, 2014
Gil Jaramillo
June 15, 2013
R.I.P. my friend you would have very proud of your Family....Peace Gil
Mark Kaufman
June 8, 2013
I was not a close friend of Sami's, but with Sami "close" was a matter of little importance. When you were with Sami, you had his attention. A great listener, always ready with an insightful opinion, usually delivered with sharp wit. He said what he meant and didn't really care much for propriety. We shared some food, some laughs, lots of stories, and consoled each other that the world was not and perhaps never would be ready for the full force of our wisdom :-). I now realize he had sides I never saw, but he always did right by me. Sami, your smile and your large-than-life attitude will stay with me forever. Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Condolences to the family.
Bob Palmer
June 7, 2013
Sami will be missed. We all learned a lot from him through his honesty with us. His warm heart and good humor were always a bright spot in the day. May he rest in peace. Bob P.BOB
June 7, 2013
In Loving Memory of Sami Shakkour
I met Sami six years ago when I was down and out. He was instrumental in my recovery from alcoholism. Sami inspired me to pick up the pieces and put my life back together. He was a mentor, and helped me become a productive citizen. His advice was always practical and well grounded.
Sami's death came as a shock to me, as I'm sure it did to all who knew him. I will miss him profoundly.
In memory,
Bert Lauck – Loving Friend
Janice Bucko
June 6, 2013
"There are places I remember
All my life..."
Smile through the sun Sami
xo peace,
Janice xo
May the sorrow of the Shakkour family be surrounded by grace and love
Janice Bucko
June 5, 2013
Sami helped a lot of people in the North San Diego County area through kind words, joy and humor. He will be missed deeply but remembered in kind.
RIP - Scott F.
Jewels Haines
June 5, 2013
Oh my, what a loss! Sami will be greatly missed. I remember fondly watching him rush into a morning meeting, settle in with his coffee and delight us with his witty, lively renditions of how living on life's terms was such a mystery. His intellect and humor were priceless. No matter where his path in life was taking him, Sami always had that magnetic smile and many an inspirational quip for me. Oh to have one more breakfast out with you Sami!
My heart goes out to his family.
martin hershfield
June 4, 2013
To the Family of Sami Shakkour,
I just wanted to take the time to let you
know what a positive impact Sami had on
so many people in his day to day travels. I have known him for several years through AA. Sami had an inimitable ability to poke fun at himself in a way that would create
laughter and joy to people who needed
levity. He will be missed.
Susan Henry
June 4, 2013
Sami had a great smile and a wicked sense of humor. His stories made me laugh and his support helped me through some tough times. Sami always made the time to help others with their struggles, even as he faced his own. He will be missed.
Windus Fernandez Brinkkord
June 4, 2013
Sami,
You will be missed
Love Kurt & Windus Brinkkord
Debbie Lux
June 3, 2013
My heart goes out to all of Sami's family. Some of his friends who were blessed by his presence in California, had a wonderful informal memorial for him last weekend. Lots of memories were shared about his kindness and generosity. And of course his great sense of humor. He is dearly missed.
Cari Poe
June 2, 2013
I will miss you Sami! You always greeted me with a smile & a kind word. Rest in peace friend.
Fred and family
fred Park
June 2, 2013
Sami and I were great friends and I miss him terribly. We spent a lot of time together analyzing women (he was intent on finding the flawless partner) sports (esp. tennis) and the market. We exchanged books on successful traders and mysteries. At first my dogs bugged him because they left invisible dirt in his spotless car but soon he always asked me to bring them along. He liked my family and paid attention to my grand kids when I brought them which was generous of heart because I know he loved neatness, cleanliness and organization of which the very young have little. Sami kept me up on his family in Conn. esp. his mother and his love for them was clear. I watched Sami help many people in our program and he loved doing it kindness was his strength what is more powerful then that.
Joe Miller
June 2, 2013
I will miss Sami, good guy, big smile, liked to help people.I knew him as a friend and as an employer, he cared about his clients and put their interests and needs first,his clients tell me he did a good job for them. Sorry for your loss and know he is in a better place.
Merredith Portsmore
May 31, 2013
So sorry for your loss. All our sympathies... Merredith and the rest of Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach
Elsie, Sami's friend, he really loved coming over and playing with her. She'd go all crazy with him..lol
Mike & Ester De Weese
May 29, 2013
Camille and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will be missed...
Tidge Copp
May 28, 2013
Camille and family...I am so sorry to hear of Sami's passing. He was such a wonderful person. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. God Bless.....Tidge Copp. (New London,Ct)
phyllis Mintz Eisenberg
May 28, 2013
so sorry for your loss--I thank Michael for introducing me to such a great guy.
He always had a smile on his face.
Phyllis McIntyre Graham
May 28, 2013
Camille and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers for you at this sad time.
Louise Sullivan
May 27, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Louise Ableman Sullivan
edward edgar
May 27, 2013
my condolences and thoughts to the shakkour family.
Leslie Rocketto
May 27, 2013
Linda and your family,
Sorry to hear of Sami's passing.
Your family will share lots of memories from your childhood.
Adele Kahwajy
May 26, 2013
Please accept my condolences upon the passing of Sami Shakkour. I know that most of you have never met me, but your family was a big part of my life. I am Krimi Davis Kahwajy's eldest daughter and my mother's maternal side was Rizk.
My thoughts are with you all.
Adele Kahwajy [email protected]
Anette KREIPKE strbanovic
May 26, 2013
So sorry to hear of Sami's illness and passing. Sending all of you our sincere condolences and best wishes that the memories of the good times you shared ease the pain of your loss.
Anette, Srdjan and Mia
Ken Geiger
May 26, 2013
My prayers are with the entire Shakkour family. Sami and I met many years ago in Mexico, which became an annual event. He was a sage personal (and financial) advisor, and always had time to listen to my story. I will miss him. "See you in the next world - don't be late" - JH
May 25, 2013
At times like this I been told to pray and offer help to the Family if only to say I'm very sorry for your lost .....
Sami was a true friend, he would listen to me talk about my fears and Blessings.We would have breakfast together at Denny's , he really loved that grand slam and a good cup of coffee.
In the park we would sit and talk about politics, money, relationships and of course our Famlies.
These are the kind of moments true friends have with each other, and I will truly miss them, yet the real Blessing is that they will live forever in my memories....So " Viva Con Dios " my friend I know when my time comes to pass over you will be there waiting with famous Sami smile....Peace titi
May 25, 2013
Camille and family. My thoughts are with you in your time of loss.
Satch
Linda Mariani
May 25, 2013
Linda and family,
How terribly sad to hear of Sami's passing. He was the kind of guy who made everyone feel happy. The years have flown by but I still vividly remember his handsome smile. My deepest sympathy and condolences to you all.
Ellen Bernstein
May 24, 2013
Growing up Sami was such a fun character. Always laughing and smiling. His memory will live on. May the family and friends who miss him find peace in the joy he brought to others.
Ken Petrini
May 24, 2013
To the entire Shakkour family, I am truly sorry to hear of Sami's passing. After high school we lost touch but Facebook was able to bring us back to the good friends we were. I will miss him.
Ken Petrini
May 24, 2013
To the entire Shakkour family, I am truely sorry to hear of Sami's passing. After high school we lost touch with each other but Facebook was able to bring us back to the good friends we once were. I will miss him dearly.
May 24, 2013
To the entire Shakkour family, I am so sorry to hear of Sami's passing, after high school we lost touch but Facebook brought us back to being the friends we were long ago. I will miss him dearly.
Ken Petrini
Nancy Burdick
May 24, 2013
So sorry for your loss..
Joan Katz Wilson
May 24, 2013
When I think of Sami, I see his beautiful smile. I think of his wit and how he always made us laugh. Peaceful dreams, Sami.
Karen Calmon Lukeman
May 24, 2013
So very sorry to hear of Sami's illness and passing. With Sami's personality, there is sure to be some memories that will help ease the pain during this tough time. Rest in peace, Sami.
Pat Hodge
May 24, 2013
I went to high school with Sami and eventually I settled in S.California and I bumped into Camille and he said Sami was out here too but unfortunately we never hooked up. I wish I could turn back the clock...
I'd like to extend my sincere condolences to the Shakkour Family!
Ron Sachatello
May 24, 2013
Leila:
Please accept my condolence on the passing of your brother.
Sandi (Clarke) Oney
May 24, 2013
Leila, I was so saddened to read of your loss today. Your brother sounds like a wonderful person. I am reminded of your family's warmth and caring during our school years. Such lovely thoughts of your elegant and empathetic mother. Take great care of you during this sad time Leila.
Don Northrop
May 24, 2013
My heartfelt sympathies go out to Sami's family. My brothers and I were close childhood friends and classmates. Played baseball and tennis with him.
Bryna Kahn
May 24, 2013
Sami - you were more than a friend, a confidente and I will miss you forever. That spunky joie de vivre, your endless love of life, your passion for tennis, and most important your devotion to friends and family will be missed by all. My heartfelt condolences to your family who have always been there for each other.
Miss you Sami, rest in peace in between those tennis balls in heaven.
Beth Lapin
May 24, 2013
Dear Linda and all of Sami's family,
It's been a sudden and sad road recently. Sending hugs and hopes for peace and happiness in the future.
Ocean Ave near Mansfield Road is not the same without you all.
Showing 1 - 54 of 54 results
Make a Donation
in Sami Shakkour's name
Memorial Events
for Sami Shakkour
How to support Sami's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Sami Shakkour's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
