Dr. Sam Quintero

Samuel (Sam) Quintero, OD, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 17, 2022 in Houston, Texas. He was born in Galveston, Texas, on October 26, 1947, and was raised in Galveston and Houston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Mary Quintero, his dog Rosie, and Samuel Perez Garza (biological father). Sam was blessed with a long successful career, a loving family, and many friends.

Sam was the oldest of five siblings and the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from the University of Houston earning both his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees. Following graduation from the University of Houston College of Optometry in 1972, he joined the faculty and dedicated his life to the profession. He was an exceptional role model and mentor for all optometrists, young and old. Throughout his career, he gave back to his chosen field and the university, not only through teaching and mentoring students but also through his service and dedication to the profession. He served on several task forces for the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). In 2020, he was awarded Optometrist of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association (TOA) and in 2005 the TOA recognized his contributions to education and teaching with the Educator of the Year Award. He was also acknowledged for his contributions to the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), receiving the Eminent Service Award in 1998. At the end of his career, he was in private practice with his daughter and continued to teach at UHCO.

Sam was charismatic and full of life. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. To many, he was known as a jokester and was always ready to pull a prank on a colleague. He was a proud dad and would go to any length to make his children happy. A captivating storyteller, he loved to entertain friends with stories from his many travels. One of his favorites was when Whoopi Goldberg almost knocked him over. He would tell how she apologized and offered him a ride back to his hotel. Most recently he recounted meeting Jeff Goldblum following a local performance and would immediately show a photo of them together. Sam enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling, camping, and was also a patron and supporter of Houston’s fine arts including the Houston Symphony and Houston Ballet. He was also an avid fan of the Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, and especially the Houston Astros. He was honored to take part on the field during opening ceremonies for one of the Astros World Series games. It took very little encouragement to persuade him to show you his World Series replica ring. Sam is survived by his siblings Julia, Julian, Marcelo, and Gregory along with his five children Lesa, Michele (Thang Pung, son-in-law), Katherine (Dan Long, son-in-law), Sam, and Eriel, his extended Garza family as well as his beloved dog, Perry.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039, followed by a funeral service that will begin promptly at 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that remembrances be made in support of the newly established Sam Quintero Endowment for Educational Excellence. The endowment is managed through the Foundation for Education and Research in Vision (https://fervfoundation.org/give-now/).

The family politely requests that guests wear masks when in attendance.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Quintero family.