Samuel Rosa

Samuel Rosa was a man who proved that our beginning doesn't define our ending. After spending much of his life navigating the "Belly of the Beast" in New York's prison systems; Sam walked out in 2007 and never looked back. Taking his birth name Samuel Rosa, he spend the next 19 years building a life of purpose, faith and deep unshakable love.

His journey to freedom began at the prison gates, where he was met by his sister, Maria Morales. That moment sparked a lifetime of loyalty to Maria and his brother in law, George Morales. They opened up their hearts and home, while moving from Maryland to Virginia. They stood by him as pillars of strength as he transitioned back into the world as Samuel Rosa.

In 2012, he went to a church service with Kimberly, and his brother Gilbert Rosa, and gave his life to God, at the same time announcing to the church that he was going to marry Kimberly. On February 11, 2014, they were wedded in holy matrimony.

Samuel took on her children as his own. Taking on Anniyah and Kaayla as his own. Sam always told Kimberly if you stick with me, I will take care of you and the kids. He did just that and also teaching her son Darryn how to sell cars, and the roofing business. He stuck to that promise everyday he told Kimberly he loved her. He told her that she was his light guiding him to God. Samuel had a "Midas Touch", his wife would say. Whether he was helping others as a BHT Technician in West Virginia or domination the floors at Lindsay Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram everything he touched turned into success; known as "Sam Rosa the closer". He wasn't just a salesman; as a manager, he was a mentor, who took pride in watching his team exceeding their own expectations. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to co-found Ameritrust Contracting, LLC and then venturing out into his own company New Technology Roofing, LLC.

Samuel was a die hard New York Giants fan, a skilled poker player, who loved the strategy of a good game. He loved going to Rosie's and spin the slots. A man who found peace in going to the movies, playing gospel and Puerto-Rican music in the house while dancing with his wife, or playing with his loyal American Staffordshire Bruce.

By reclaiming his birth name Samuel Rosa he signaled to the world that he was a new man. He lived by the truth of Psalms 23:4 "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."

Samuel is predeceased by his three brothers: Felix Rosa, Julio Rosa and Roberto Diaz.

Survivors include his mother, Ludina Rosa; his wife, Kimberly; his daughters: Anniyah and Kaayla; his sons: Samuel Diaz II and Samuel Diaz, Jr.; his bonus son, Darryn; his beloved sisters: Maria Morales (George), Miriam Rosa, Sandra Rosa and Jeanette Arroyo Rosa; his brother, Gilbert Rosa and granddaughter Maziyyah.

He will be remembered not for the years spent in the "Belly of the Beast", but for the man who walked out of it to find his name, his own family, his peace, and God.