Samuel Jackson Arrietta Sr.

Eight years ago Dad warmed our hearts as he toasted [mom] on her 80th birthday. He struggled to speak through his tears and so [mom] jumped in to help him deliver this message: “I do believe the Lord above created you for me to love He picked you out among the rest cause He knows I love you best and if I die and youre still there Ill wait for you up at the golden gate and if youre not here on the judgement day I'll know you went the other way So Ill cut my angel wings, my golden hair and everything to prove to you my love is true Ill go to hell just to be with you.” (LOL) There is no union like the union of Sam and Lucy Arrietta. Through the years, they have taught us all how to love entirely and unconditionally. With that said, [mom] would argue that [dad] was the patriarch of their union. Dad was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, leader, and a follower of Christ. He knew what it meant to live and what it meant to love those around him. Sam Jackson Arrietta, Sr was born May 24, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, the youngest to Dan and Carrie Arrietta. One would never guess he was the youngest of his family by the way he carried himself. Dad took hold of any room, or any choir, that stood before him. As a seven year old boy, he went around with his brother, Dan, selling magazines. Dan would wait outside while [dad] would enter various establishments in the hopes of making a sale. One time in particular, he entered a bar, naturally, and succeeded in walking away with a whole $1 from one of the patrons. Some seven year olds may have held onto the money for himself or may have given his brother a small portion of his earnings, but not [dad]; [dad] walked out and took his brother to the movies that day. He did, and always has, taken care of those around him. No matter your relation to Sam Arrietta, you felt loved and appreciated, that was just his way. Dad's grandchildren can tell you that there are few moments they remember being on grandpa's bad side. The thing is, all he would need to do is state your full name in a stern tone, and all knew to stand at attention. But even then, this was done with love and compassion. It was important to [dad] to always take the time and explain the virtues of life. He wanted his family to know and love God, he wanted his family to respect all those around them, he wanted his family to remember what was most important and to work hard each and every day to achieve ones goals. This natural-born salesman had much to teach us all, and teach us, he did. Dad was a hardworking man but he also knew how to play. As [mom] would say, [dad] was good at everything he tried. His favorites were tennis, basketball, and baseball; you've never seen a better shortstop. But he could also spend hours fishing, singing, and praising God. [Dad] never wasted any of his God given talents and that is the way we all should live. When [dad] was called to serve in the United States Army in 1952, he and mom decided to get married Nov. 30, 1952. He knew he needed to secure her before someone else did! [Dad] reported to training shortly after the wedding and then reported to Korea Dec. of 1952. Serving his country was an honor. [Dad] was proud to be a soldier and eventually a sergeant and once he returned home in August of 1954, he continued to live an honorable life and served all those that crossed his path. Dad worked as a manager for the May Co for about 30 years but even after retiring, dad had a career selling real estate where he developed many more valuable relationships to share his, faith, love, and support. Dad and Mom moved to Corona 40 years ago where Dad served at Faith Baptist Church leading music, directing choirs and as a Deacon in church leadership impacting many lives. [Dad] lived a good life; a life that many aspire to attain. The key to his legacy was focusing on ‘one step at a time', "having all his ducks in a row" and most of all, seeking God's will in every part of his life. It is with this in mind that we all must continue living and remembering to carry on his legacy. As my mom told us, "Good or bad, her included, he was always there for us. Now you all will pass the mantle on " Dad is survived by my mom, Lucy, myself, my two brothers Rob and Mark our wives, Marcy Sharon, and Cynthia… 8 Grand kids and 9 Great Grands Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Thursday 11/18, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518 Thursday 11/18, 2:00 pm