Born in Boyle Heights, California, Sam was the youngest of eight children born to Varus and Nuvart Kardashian, Armenian immigrants from Kars, in what was then the Russian Empire. Sam spent his formative years in Baldwin Hills, attending California Military Academy and Dorsey High School, where he was a star athlete in multiple sports. In 1964, Sam married the love of his life, Paulette Adalian. Sam and Paulette moved to Santa Monica, where they raised their family and where Sam established Southern California Disposal, the company he would own and operate until the end of his life.
A first-generation American, Sam had a deep sense of patriotism. In 1974, he decided to declare his love for America by flying the largest American flag in the West. The custom-made 30’x50’ flag, flying from a specially constructed 100-foot tower in front of the Southern California Disposal headquarters, can be seen by motorists on the 10 freeway to this day.
In addition to his loving wife Paulette, he is also survived by his two children, Tamara Matosian and husband Haig “Mike” Matosian and Luke Kardashian and wife Seta Kardashian. He was the proud grandfather to his five grandchildren: Sammy (Marisol), Valentina, Max (Ashley), Tiffany (Shant), and Sabrina; and two great grandchildren: Sammy and Danny.
Funeral services will be held at Saint Monica’s Catholic Church, 725 California Avenue in Santa Monica on February 24, 2022 at 10:00am followed by the graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery located at 1847 14th Street, Santa Monica.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make a donation to:
Ararat Home of Los Angeles - Westside Guild
C/O Lynnette Amerian
5655 Jumilla Avenue
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
