My Papa Sam

Samuel Saucedo Martel, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at his home in Los Angeles, CA. He was 91 years young. His passing was peaceful, with his wife, Maria, of almost 58 years of marriage, by his side.

Papa Sam, as his grandchildren would refer to him, was born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico to Maria Saucedo and Mauro Martel on May 12, 1934. Papa Sam could best be described as funny, silly, gentle, carefree, a man of faith and hardworking. These are some of the qualities that led him to his wife, Maria Castillo Aguilar, my Grandma. Their love story was unlike any other and the two loved each other unconditionally. Even when her father, Papa Pino, said, "Samuel is too old!". She quickly proclaimed to her father, "But I love him!". In June 1968, the two were married in Tecolotlana, Jalisco, Mexico and moved to Los Angeles, CA.  

Throughout their marriage, the two took care of each other all while raising a family and working hard. To Papa Sam, family was the most important thing in this world. During his retirement years, he took care of his grandchildren and travelled. He always made it a point to attend grandparent's day, school events, birthdays, baseball games, day trips, family events, graduations and Disneyland. He never failed to let us know how much he loved us. 

The last few weeks of his life, my Grandma Maria, nursed Papa Sam with love, patience and compassion. While his time on earth has come to an end, his family looks forward to one day being reunited. Papa Sam is predeceased by his mother Maria, father Mauro, stepmother Maria, sisters Angela and Esther, brothers Mauro, Juan, Jose and David, Tia Aurora, nephews Raymond, Gerardo, and Mauricio, niece Yolanda, his cousin Enrique, and many pets including grand dog Hershey. 

Papa Sam is survived by his wife, Maria, his daughters Irma, Elizabeth and Jeannette, grandchildren Danielle, Jonathan, Lorielle and Samantha, son-in-laws Sergio and Rafael, grand dog Biscuit, and many family members and friends. With sadness, his last surviving brother, Moses Martel, joined Papa Sam and the rest of their family in Heaven on February 17, 2026. May they all rest in peace. 

We miss Papa Sam but as he would often say, "Vivo Yo!".  Papa Sam, you are forever in our hearts. 

With love, 

Danielle Campos Martel