Suheil Hanna Salman

A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 15th at 1 p.m. at Reichert's Funeral Home, 7320 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610 followed by burial at Sylvan Cemetery District. The family invites all who knew Sam to join in celebrating his life.

In lieu of flowers and wreaths, donations may be made in his honor to: The Dementia Society of America (https://www.dementiasociety.org).

Sam was born on April 2nd, 1942 in Beirut, Lebanon and spent his young life there with his family, where he attended primary and secondary school. Upon coming of age, he traveled internationally, working for Middle East Airlines, the national commercial airline of Lebanon.

He left to the United States to acquire his higher education at Central State College in Oklahoma. He later moved to Sacramento, California where he received an FAA accredited Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate from Sacramento City College. Sam was fascinated by life in the US and decided to become a citizen. He spent the next 20 years of his life in the restaurant business, successfully launching several ventures, including “Sidewalk Pizza” in Sacramento, and “Main Street Burger” in Loomis. He spent the last 10 years of his active life as a “Language Specialist” at the FBI, where he was proud to demonstrate his patriotism in the aftermath of 9-11. He retired at the end of 2011.

Sam was a beloved son, father, brother, and husband. He cherished time spent with family and friends, and was a source of strength and courage. He is fondly remembered by those who knew him for his humor, tenacity, and an unyielding loyalty to friends and family, all traits he passed on to his children. He was quick to help when called upon, lovingly opening his door to anyone in need. He loved being a Lebanese American and was a living model of the values and culture espoused by both these cultures to all around him.

Sam leaves behind a legacy of love that will be forever remembered.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents Hanna and Olga Salman, and his brother Kamal. Sam is survived by his wife, Sandra, and their oldest daughter Jennifer and her significant other Chad, youngest daughter Elizabeth, and by his previous wife, Camille, and their son Dan, and his wife Angela. He is also survived by his brother Nabil and wife Gilberte, sister Jamal and husband Michel Abdul Ahad, and sister-in-law Odette, and their families.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in our hearts.

“And ye now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”

KJV John 16: 22