Sam Anthony Cesare

Salvatore was born June 13, 1927 on the Island of Sicily in a small seacoast town called Cefalu. Sam came to the US at age 3 on a steamship. His parents, Sam, and a sister, Mary settled in Gary, Indiana. A brother Jake and sister Ann were also born in the US. In 1939 the family moved to Delano, California, a farming community in the San Joaquin Valley. After attending Delano Elementary and Delano High School, Sam entered the army, just after WWII. After his honorary discharge, Sam went to St. Mary's College, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in 'The Great Books' program in 1951. After completing his undergraduate degree, he obtained a teaching credential from San Jose State University. Sam returned to his boyhood town, Delano, for his first teaching assignment in 1952, where he taught for four years. There, he met his wife, Shirley who was teaching kindergarten. They were married in October, 1956. In 1957, they bought their first home in Fremont on Meiggs Street. They raised five children, Mary Teresa, Elizabeth Ann, Mark Anthony, David Andrew and Judith Bernadette. Sam continued teaching at Irvington Elementary School, then moved to Horner Jr. High in 1958. He is the last original Horner teacher to retire in 1988. Sam realized his goals for retirement when he was able to spend more time with family, tend to his garden and do some traveling and fishing. He also took classes in horticulture and landscape design at Ohlone College, played tennis, continued his pro-life activities. He perfected bread and spaghetti and meatball recipes much to his family's enjoyment. He also took extensive vacations including a return to his hometown in Sicily. Sam was a long time member of 'Santa Paula' now known as 'Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish'. He was involved in teaching baptism and catechism classes and served in pro-life ministries. Sam also served as a Eucharistic minister and lector. He lived out his Christian faith as a loving husband and father by serving family, neighbors and friends. Sam was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Mary Cesare, his brother, Jake Cesare and sisters Antoinette Kraft, and Mary Tranchita. He is survived by: 5 children, 19 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. He departed this life and entered eternal life on April 1st, 2017 His burial will be a private ceremony.