Sam (Severo) L. Medina

Sam passed away peacefully Sunday morning, February 12, 2023 at the age of 82 surrounded by his wife, kids, and grandkids, while enjoying his last glass of Dewars and soda.

He was born in Chihuahua, MX and grew up in San Jose, CA, graduating from San Jose State College. He lived in Alameda with his first wife, Carol and their son Michael while attending Golden Gate College, earning two MBA's.

He was a Telecommunications Manager for Kaiser Steel and he later settled in Yountville, CA and founded Napa Valley Telecom/Ameritel in 1984. Sam was Treasurer for CALTEL from 1984 to 1999 and played a critical role in the legislation of California Association of Competitive Telecommunications. Effecting legislation and the future of the competitive telecommunications industry in California with the support of Senator Mike Thompson.

He met Gail, his wife of 40 years at the Yountville post office where she worked and he held his PO Box. They shared a fun filled life together and enjoyed traveling and cruising to tropical destinations. Their home was known as the entertainment house for Murder Mystery nights, celebrations, and pool parties where Sam tended to the bar and the grill.

His hobbies included fishing, camping, trips to Reno for Poker and Let It Ride and was a voracious reader. One of his annual highlights was the yearly camping trip with his son, Michael, good friends, and often times a few cousins and uncles, often fishing, sometimes hunting, but always having a great time and, of course, sipping on his Dewars and soda.

Sam was also a handy man and after retirement, worked at Central Valley for 12 years and enjoyed his customers and advising them on their house projects.

Sam was a loving and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He looked forward to his visits from his adoring grandkids and took an active role in their lives. Sam did everything with honesty and integrity. He had very strong values and was well liked by everyone. He had incredible patience, and always made time for his family.

He is survived and missed by his loving wife of 40 years, Gail Medina; his son Michael,daughter in-law Jennifer; Daughters: Michelle and Marlene, son in-laws Jamey and Perry; Grandkids: Kailey, Mikayla, Sterling, Isabel, Hattie, Watson, Jackson, Parker and Tucker. His memory lives on with is sisters, Bertie and Margaret and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sam was predeceased by his sister Rita, brother Louie and his parents, Jessie and Aurora.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our friends, extended family and neighbors who have been there for us since his passing.

Also, a heartfelt thank you to doctors, nurses, and staff at Queen of The Valley Hospital for their loving care of Sam and our family in his final hours.

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