Peter Alexander Samuels

"Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death." - Auntie Mame from the movie "Auntie Mame".

Peter Alexander Samuels passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his beloved husband, Sergio Codina on Friday April 25, 2014 at 5 pm after a battle with lung cancer. Peter was born in Brooklyn, NY to Thomas and Anita Samuels. He will be remembered for his altruistic nature and his extraordinary talents as a portrait artist and costume designer. His fiery personality and generous spirit touched and impacted anyone who had the good fortune to know him.

He studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, majoring in painting in 1972. He also attended Parson's School of Design in NY, majoring in fashion design and illustration. It was also in NY that he attended the Lester Pollikof School of Theatre Design, majoring in costume design. In 1981 Peter began to pursue his personal dreams and became a full time portrait artist, having his first solo exhibition at the Odyssey Gallery in Soho, NY. He became internationally renowned as a result of his 1983 two-artist exhibition at the Gallery Edition A in Munich, West Germany.

Due to Peter's community spirit and his desire to give back to the community, Father Oh Mary! came to being in 2006. He began his work as one of the founding members of Eureka's local Abbey. He helped grow the chapter with enthusiasm and love to what it is today. Their community outreach has affected many local organizations for the community on the North Coast.

Peter is survived by his husband, Sergio Codina, his parents Thomas and Anita Samuels, his brother Tom Samuels (Nancy) and his sister Nancy Kelley. In-laws/Codina's (Salvador, Miguel (Edzia), Adalberto (Linda), Rebecca, and Marcos (Ruth Ann). Also his nieces and nephews; Kate and Eric Samuels, Erin and Lindsay Kelley, Christopher Aranda, Aisha Aranda (Oscar, Isabel, Sean), Zachary, Jared and Ian Codina and his extended family in Roseville,CA.

His life force touched many more people to mention. A celebratory service will be held Sunday June 15th, 2014 at the Bayside Grange to commemorate his life. Services will begin at 2pm. Flowers may be sent directly to Bayside Grange for the service or a donation may be made to the Eureka Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; www.eurekasisters.com

Please sign the guestbook or leave a personal memory at Pierce Mortuary: www.piercemortuarychapels.com