Samuel passed away on November 25th, 2024
Samuel Cantù Gonzales, age 72 , peacefully departed on November 25, 2024, in Austin,Texas. He was surrounded by the love of his family and spoke “I Love You” with his last breath. Samuel, “Daddy,” “Grampa,” “Jackrabbit,” “Sammy,” “Uncle Sam,” “Sam the Mailman,” or “Sambo” to his closest friends, was born on September 24, 1952, in Sikeston, Missouri, to Jesus Gonzales and Helen O. Cantù Gonzales. Samuel was the youngest of 8 children. Samuel is survived by his dear brothers, Daniel and John Gonzales. His daughters, Vanessa Gonzales and Anna Gonzales-Vidaurri (Samuel Vidaurri), and many loved ones whom he held close to his heart. Growing up in Austin, Sam was proud of his East Side roots, a true Austinite. He treasured his memories of Pan-Am, Canterbury, and swimming at Metz pool as a child. Sam often called this time “The Good Old Days,” crediting the generations of people he grew up with, shaping the man he became. Sam’s lifelong friendships are a true testament to who he was. Many lasting over 65 years. Sam’s heart was grand and generous . He was the type of person you could always count on. He always had a good time and included everyone. If you were a friend , he made you family. Stating family is forever. Sam’s strong ties to East Austin would continue through his life. After graduating from Johnston High School, Sam would pursue his passion for water, joining the United States Coast Guard. His journey with the Coast Guard would take him along the Texas Coast and as far as Juneau, Alaska. Storytelling of incredible experiences of polar nights, walruses, miles of snow, and snowflakes the size of your hand. His accounts of the Northern Lights and whales were a dream come true. Sam’s ambition would take him to uncharted waters. His heart and love for his family would bring him back home to Austin, Texas. Sam’s interest in the water was still evident when he became a lifeguard at the same Metz pool he enjoyed from his youth. Teaching people to swim and saving lives came naturally to Sam. Allowing him to help people. Sam would give up his sea legs to begin a longstanding career with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for nearly 30 years. Serving the same neighborhoods he grew up in. Sam’s smile and familiarity with his city were unmatched. He was both well known and loved. Sam received many accolades for his exceptional driving with the Post Office; however, he prided himself on walking all his mail routes with a 40lb satchel. Sam loved serving the City of Austin. Far beyond his professional accomplishments , Sam was an adored “Daddy” to his daughters, Vanessa Gonzales and Anna Gonzales-Vidaurri. His unconditional love and devotion were simply heaven-sent. Loving them with all his heart, Sam was also blessed to have sons, Andrew Vallejo and Orlondo Vallejo , children of his ex-wife and coparent, Olivia Vallejo. Their relationship was special. He loved them and the impact they made on his life. Sam’s greatest treasures were his grandchildren, Lillyanna Vidaurri, Alejandro “Hondo” Martinez III, Star Vidaurri, Sebastian “Sebby” Martinez, and Gabriel “Bear”Martinez. They lit up his life. Their happiness was his priority. Making every moment with them a celebration, he insisted they laugh, dance, and smile every day. Being their personal hype man for all of their endeavors. He loved them endlessly with everything in his heart. Sam is preceded in death by his beloved siblings, Micaela Gonzales, Margaret Castellon, Mary Polanco, Jesse Gonzales , Rudolpho Gonzales, and his stepson, Alexander Vallejo. Sam was a selfless man who put everyone before himself. He found happiness in the joy of others. His heart was complete with every answered prayer, accomplishment, and the good news of his family. If you were happy, then so was he. Sam’s spirit will live on in your memories of him. The joy, love, and laughter he shared will come in waves like the waters he loved so much. The Family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Chadha at Texas Oncology and staff, Dr. Martin, and St. David’s Medical Center for their exceptional care for Sam. Pallbearers will include his best friend, Gilbert "J.R." Rodriguez; Jacob Rodriguez; Joe Louis Rodriguez; his two nephews, Richard Castellon and Edward Gonzales; and his son-in-law, Samuel Vidaurri. The honorary pallbearer will be Adrian Medel. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., at Mission Funeral Home - East Side, 1615 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, Texas. Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following morning, Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 East Ninth Street, Austin, Texas. Committal will follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.
