Sam P. Starfas

Sam P. Starfas passed away on Sept. 6 after a brief illness, at Vista del Monte where he had lived for thirteen years. He was born November 21, 1917 in East Los Angeles to his parents, Beatrice and Panno Starfas. Ha always had a fondness for Los Angeles. He grew up in Ventura through 10th grade and after a family move graduated from Santa Maria High School. Sam enlisted in the US Navy in June 1945 and served until August 1946. After that he attended his beloved USC and graduated in 1951. A Masters degree from Oregon State ended his formal education.

He taught business subjects such as key boarding, shorthand, business law and bookkeeping at Arroyo Grande High School followed by seven years with Union Oil in Los Angeles. He returned to teaching at Morro Bay High School followed by 25 years at San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara. He was grateful to his students for a “pleasant teaching experience.” He had fun and hoped his students did too and that they also learned something.

Sam and his first wife, Lenore, were the proud parents of four children. Sam and Ellie Veazey were married in 1980 and enjoyed 45 years together travelling, volunteering and enjoying life in Santa Barbara. His parents, sister Marina, and brothers Tom and Panno predeceased him. He is survived by his four children, his “cherubs”: Debra, Nancy, Sam and Tom. Also surviving are his grandchildren Rachelle, Ashley and Todd, great- granddaughters, Kailey and Becca along with stepchildren and step- grandchildren and his wife, Ellie ,niece, Diana and nephews Paul and Spiro.

Sam was known for his friendly smile, wry sense of humor and spontaneous quips. His favorite words were “Fight On” (USC) and “Know thyself” (Socrates). There will be a celebration of life at Vista del Monte on November 15 at 3PM.