Samuel Anthony Portocarrero

Sam Portocarrero, age 83, of San Mateo, California, passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 after a long illness.

Sam was born on February 15, 1941 to Gustavo Portocarrero and Elda Mendieta in Nicaragua.  At 14 years old, he joined his mother in California and met the love of his life, Grace Cecchini while attending Balboa High School and asked her to marry him on his 18^th birthday. They graduated from Balboa High School in 1959.

Sam and Grace married on December 27, 1959 and shared many wonderful and special years of love, laughs and friendship together.  During their 65 years of marriage, they had two children: Michael and Michelle.  He worked hard to make sure they were taken care of and felt loved every day.

Sam was a member of the Peninsula Italian American Social Club and Lucchesi Nel Mondo, where he enjoyed many years of attending the wonderfully planned events with Grace, Michael, and Michelle and socializing with their many friends.  

Sam retired and spent his time enjoying special time with his wife and family. Sam was a very proud grandfather and great grandfather and adored and loved every one of his grandchildren and great grandchildren the same. As a longtime season ticket holder for both the 49ers and Giants, Sam enjoyed his afternoons and nights going to support his favorite teams and shared many special memories at these sports events with his grandsons throughout the years.

Sam was predeceased by his parents Gustavo Portocarrero and Elda Mendieta, and his sister Maria Elena Portocarrero, and Grandson Dylan Portocarrero.

Sam is survived by, wife Grace Portocarrero, son Michael, daughter Michelle, sister Auxiliadora Pastega. Grandchildren: Kurt, Alyssa, Jonathan, and Great Grandchildren: Owen, Hattie, Duke, Margot and Ryder.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 3^rd at St. Gregory Catholic Church, 2715 Hacienda Street, in San Mateo.  Viewing: 9:30am, Rosary: 10am, Funeral Mass: 10:30am.  Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.

We like to express our sincerest appreciation to Ray, Ron, Sonny, Carlos and Sydney, Dad’s caregivers, for all their love, support and care for both Dad and Mom, and also the Hospice team, especially his Nurse, Kim. Thank you all.