Samuel Paul Caress

Many things can be said about Samuel Paul Caress. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Samuel was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Samuel was born on April 20, 1955 at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California. His parents were Eli and Bella Caress. Samuel was raised in West Covina, California. When he was young, Samuel's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Samuel demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

As a young boy, Samuel was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Samuel could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in baseball. He was a Boy Scout. In his spare time he was very artistic, loved to make crafts. However, to Samuel, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

During his high school years, Samuel had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. He was constantly offering his support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which he participated. He graduated from Covina High School in 1973. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. In this way, Samuel had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Samuel was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Samuel as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner.

Always considered a “good” friend, Samuel sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Samuel always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Samuel’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Samuel would always seek to learn what his friends enjoyed, and he would go out of his way to make sure that their needs were met. Samuel was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, he sometimes felt ill at ease when he was the one on the receiving end. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Dan Hart, Jeannie Pelletier, Rod Griel and Linda Evans. Later in life, he became friends with Marie Lopez, Mike and Vicky Goodwin and Dominick Debello.

Samuel’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Samuel shared these values with his three children, one son, Matthew and two daughters, Jennifer and Kelly. Samuel was also blessed with ten grandchildren, Hope, Mariah, Jessica, Nin, Makayla, Daymon, Dylan, Lacey, Ja'Nasia, Zachary and Kylie. Samuel related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

Samuel experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was manager. He was employed for 12 years by Jeffries Bank Note. Also worked at Little Tykes as a production supervisor. Samuel always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Samuel took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Samuel was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Samuel continually sought to learn what his co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled him to help them develop their own potential.

Because he was organized and methodical, Samuel took great pleasure in his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were crafts and decorating. Samuel enjoyed sharing his passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Samuel derived much satisfaction from sports. Because he was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Samuel delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Recreational sports included bowling. Samuel was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity.

Throughout his life, Samuel was actively involved in professional and community organizations. With a talent for focusing in on exactly what was required to be completed, Samuel was known to his peers as being able to strengthen any group endeavor. When called on, Samuel was a natural leader who created harmony and good relationships within the group, often putting his own needs aside. Samuel’s involvement could easily help structure and organize any part of an organization. An added benefit was Samuel’s ability to bring valued principles along with him. In high school, Samuel was a member of the Chess Club and Work Shop. Throughout his later years, Samuel was an active member of the Cubmasters and Little League.

Samuel’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 4 years. During that time, he was an usher. He was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in his work with the congregation.

Samuel enjoyed traveling, and because he was so well organized, he would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. His gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Samuel were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Utah, picnicing in Oak Glen and Palm Springs.

Samuel was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Samuel's favorite was Pepe, a Chihuahua mix. They were best friends for 5 years. His family was rounded out by his Chihuahua, Bruiser.

Being the focused and organized person that he was, Samuel had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Samuel knew exactly what he wanted to do. In retirement, he found new pleasure in watching his grandchildren. Even in retirement, Samuel continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Samuel passed away on February 14, 2011 at Inter Community Hospital in Covina, California. He is survived by his children Matthew, Jennifer and Kelly, his grandchildren, Hope, Mariah, Jessica, Nin, Makayla, Daymon, Dylan, Lacey, Ja'Nasia, Zachary and Kylie. Services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Covina, California.

Throughout his life, Samuel was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Samuel leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Samuel Paul Caress.