JANUARY 4, 1926 – FEBRUARY 25, 2018
Orange, CA - Sammy Burrola, age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones early morning Sunday February 25, 2018 at 2:02AM.
Born in Cordell, OK to parents Albanio Burrola and Alexandra Nunes, he was the fourth oldest of eight children. The Burrola family later moved to Amarillo, TX. After his father passed away, Sammy started working at a young age to help support the family with only a 3rd grade education. He never let his lack of formal education get in his way and was known to be a very hard worker and problem solver.
As a baker for Dolly Madison Bakery, Sammy enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country during WWII. His time of service spanned April 4th, 1944 through April 1st, 1946. Sammy held two jobs aboard the U.S.S. Benner; also known as the Star of the Fleet Destroyer, as a Baker and a Gunner. As his grandson says, “He baked bread and shot lead.” The discipline and patriotism he learned in the U.S. Navy never left him, as his family and friends will attest.
Prior to his deployment to the pacific, Sammy was stationed in New York where he met the love of his life, Gloria Bermudez, in Times Square. He gave her a kiss and told her, “Hold that thought, I’ll be back”. When he was discharged, he came back to New York and married Gloria on June 27th, 1947.
Once married, he brought his new wife back to Amarillo, TX then on to Tujunga, CA. Sammy took a job with Automotive Bumpers while also living and taking care of Porter’s Ranch. Soon after moving to California, they had their first child Sammy Jr. in 1947. In addition to, he helped each of his wife’s (8) siblings and parents find work and relocate from Bronx, New York to Tujunga, California. Sammy bought their first home in Buena Park, CA and took a job with B&Y as a truck driver. He moved houses for a living and was an extremely hard worker. In 1954, they were blessed with their second son Ronald (Ronnie).
As a Gold Star Mother and Father, they lost their first son to the Vietnam War. Tragically they lost their second son to a car accident. The heartbreaking loss of both sons was at the age of 21. To help endure their tragic losses, Sammy moved his family to Orange, CA in 1983. They became large contributors and life members to the American Legion, Borinquen Post 508 and the VFW.
Sammy was a man who loved the Lord, a friend to all who met him, a Gold Star Father, a patriot who whole heartedly loved his country, and known for his witty sayings.
“Put your money in your pocket and lock it.”
“Turn out the damn light, my name is Burrola, not Edison!”
If you thanked him, he would tell you to “Thank God.”
Sammy is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gloria, grandson Sammy Burrola III, and great granddaughters: Ashlee Reeves and Alisia Burrola.
Sammy is preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers: Manuel, Pete, Johnny, Frank, Sisters: Mary Lou, Julia, Josephine and his sons: Sammy Burrola Jr. and Ronald (Ronnie) Burrola.
The services for Sammy will be held on Saturday March 3, 2018 at 10:30AM located at Valley Funeral Home 2121 West Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506. The services will be followed by burial service at Glen Haven Memorial Park; 13017 Lopez Canyon Rd., Sylmar, CA 91342.
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