Samuel Moreno

Samuel Moreno is now at peace; and while his kind heart no longer beats and skilled hands have ceased to build, today we honor the life and soul of a special person. On June 9, 2024, Mr. Moreno with his family by his side, was called home. His memory is a source of joy and our faith will guide us through our bereavement. 

Samuel Moreno’s previously departed loved ones include his parents Fidel and Trinidad Moreno, in-laws Gilberto and Dolores May, and his brother in-law Jose May. 

Sammy’s greatest love was his wife, Cecilia. It was a love that began with a date to a dance and ultimately a marriage of 55 years. This lifelong bond, set in motion raising a family, serving the community, family vacations, building friendships, and enjoying their grandchildren.   Whether it was coffee for two at a local restaurant, quiet trips to the ranch, or spending time with friends at Whataburger, Cecilia was always by his side. Sammy always acknowledged that all of his success and joy were made possible because of the love and support of his wife.

Sammy Moreno, as he was best known, was born in Laredo, Texas on April 21st, 1940. Sammy had a special bond with his parents, his brothers, and his sister. It was this familial connection that positively influenced him. At a young age, his parents instilled strong values such as faith, family, service, and most of all, humility.  These values which both he and his wife had, cultivated into their children; Cecilia Alaniz (Rick), Irene Esparza (Albert), Lizzie Delapass (Mark), Samuel Moreno Jr. (Denise), and Gilberto Fidel Moreno (Gigi). His family is his greatest living legacy. A legacy forged by love and commitment to making those around them and the community better. 

His treasured grandchildren Jacob, Jackson, Kristen, Eric, Aly, Morgan, Matthew, Sammy, Alberto Javier “AJ”, Carlo, Dylan, Gilbert Isaac, and Travis will greatly miss their grandpa.

Left to cherish his memory is his sister, Irene Garza (Ricardo+), brothers-Fidel “Paco” Moreno (Juanita), Eliseo Moreno (Ester), along with his sister in laws-Dolores May Carter and Eliza May Kelly (Tracy), and brother-in-law Gilberto May (Maribel) and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. 

Sammy graduated from Martin High School in 1958. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&I University in Kingsville. He then went on to serve in the US Army in 1963. He served his country with distinction, selflessness, and loyalty. As an enlisted man with a Bachelor’s degree, he served in many different capacities. He was a member of the 1st Battalion of the 2nd Armored Division’s 14th Artillery and earned the expert rating with the M-14 rifle which is the highest rating one can qualify for. His distinctions in the US Army included the Good Conduct Medal, Marksman (Pistol), and Expert Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14). He was honorably discharged in September of 1965. After his discharge, Sammy went on to continue his education at East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas where he earned his Master’s degree in Educational Administration. 

Sammy started his career of over 30 years with Laredo Independent School District which provided him a platform to assist the young students of the Laredo community. He began his career as a teacher at Thomas Sanchez Elementary, Katherine Tarver Elementary, and Buenos Aires Elementary. He served as an assistant principal at Buenos Aires and J.W. Nixon High School for over 13 years. It was after that he became the proud principal of Memorial Middle School until his retirement in 1997. In 2013, Sammy earned the distinction of having the Memorial Middle School Library named after him. 

In his life and career, was his passion for teaching and mentoring, as he was a little league baseball coach for many years. His mentoring went well beyond the school campuses, he encouraged everyone to become integral parts of the community by stressing the importance of building relationships in Laredo neighborhoods.  Sammy’s impact on the youth of the Laredo community can still be seen today as many former students still remember him and the lessons he taught them. 

Sammy took great pride in helping in the advancement of those in the Hispanic community. He was a proud member of the LULAC Council #12 organization in which he served as president numerous times. Sammy always believed that education was a pathway to success which afforded more life altering opportunities. He was a firm believer in equality, justice, and education. 

Sammy loved the outdoors-hunting, fishing, and working around his home and ranch. A true craftsman talents that were passed down from his father. No job was too difficult for Sammy as he was well versed in carpentry, plumbing, welding, automotive repairs, and ranching. His rough hands were evidence of the hard work he generously did for his family. Sammy was a hardworking man that worked until he could not.

Sammy was a sports enthusiast. If it involved athletic competition, he enjoyed cheering on the athletes. He was an iconic figure at local high school and middle school sports events. He supported the Toros, Mustangs, and beloved Tigers. He was a fan of the Astros, Cowboys, New York Yankees, and Texas Longhorns. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, and golf. He was an original member of the Hustlers softball team, participated in teachers bowling leagues at Jett Bowl where his wife, Cecilia, was always his teammate. He was a regular at Lake Casa Blanca Golf Course where it allowed him to bond with many of his friends in the community. 

Sammy had a great appreciation of history. He was an avid collector of items that reminded him of a life less complicated. He was a frequent visitor to flea markets and antique shops where he had an eye out for Coke-Cola memorabilia, Long Playing albums, and 8 track tapes for the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. He enjoyed listening to good music, he played in the Tiger Band, and eventually becoming a self-taught guitarist. He loved the “oldies.” Elvis Presley and Ritchie Valens were two of his nostalgic favorites. As he was tending to his home and yard, the sounds of 50’s Rock and Roll could be heard in the background. Sammy also enjoyed entertaining friends and family in this 1950’s style mancave in his backyard complete with black and white checkered flooring and a jukebox. 

Sammy’s friends were a very important part of his life. We will all remember the get togethers in his backyard or even a visit to Lalo’s Sports Bar (El Poso). He truly enjoyed everyone’s company. He enjoyed making people laugh with his funny jokes and pranks. During the difficult times, he would surely be by your side. He brought comfort to many with his compassion and empathy. 

Sammy wore many hats. His most cherished roles were that of husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He genuinely cared about everyone and instantly made new friends wherever he went. He had an enormous heart and was often a friend to those that had few, a teacher to those that sought knowledge, and those that needed a father figure. He influenced many people in the community. 

The family will be receiving condolences on Friday evening, June 14, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday morning, June 15, 2024 departing at 8:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Laredo City Cemetery.

Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army and the Laredo Honor Guard. 

Pallbearers will be his son-in-law’s: Rick, Albert, and Mark along with his grandchildren: Eric, Jacob, Jackson, Dylan, Sammy III, Matthew, and AJ

Sammy truly valued his relationships that he had with his compadres. His close friends were like family. His Honorary Pallbearers will be: Harry Bonugli, Nick Villarreal, Jose Luis Aldaco, Alfredo Benavidez, Roberto Benavides (San Antonio) Conrado Gamboa (+), Butch Flores, Hector Elizondo, Roberto J. Santos, and Andy Santos.

Sammy’s recent passing will no doubt bring sadness but we celebrate his beautiful journey. We have lost a great soul. May he rest in peace.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.