Charles (Charlie) Samarron Dies
Friends,
It is with great respect, cariņo and sorrow that I share with you the news of
the passing of Charles (Charlie) Samarron, my first Chicano mentor and friend in
San Diego for the past 46 years. We first met in 1963 when I was just 19 years
old and had finished a year in the U.S. Navy when I made contact with Charlie,
then the Chairman of the San Diego Chapter of the American G.I. Forum. I made
contact with him because in Sonora, Texas, I had been a member of the American
Jr. G.I. Forum and being so far from home, he in reality became my connection to
the community. I became the youngest member of the AGIF in San Diego and through
its membership I met many outstanding leaders and military veterans from
California and other states with AGIF chapters. Charlie's tenure included
holding the San Diego and State Chairmanship of the AGIF.
As I recall my experiences under Charlie's leadership, I think of AGIF leaders
like Dr. Hector Garcia (Founder) , Augustine (Teen) Flores, Steve Campos, Tony
Gallegos, Vicente Ximenes, Luis Tellez, U.S. Senator Joseph
Montoya, Larry Amaya, Eulalio Porras, Jose Ramirez, Richard Resendez, David
Sierra, Chris Alderete, Ed Idar, Armando Rodriguez and from my hometown of
Sonora, visionaries like Pete Gomez, Ralph Gonzalez, Pedro Galindo, Lalo
Gonzales and Challo Martinez. There so many other past and present leaders
whose names I recall but are too many to mention in this tribute to Charlie.
Their combined knowledge, respect and fight for our civil rights as
demonstrated in major forums and workshops at local, state and national
AGIF conventions as well as in numerous vocal pickets and demonstrations served
as a major foundation to the political and education struggles later encountered
by our community.
Thanks to Charlie Samarron's mentorship, I was privileged to attend and
participate in many of the AGIF gatherings during the sixties and early
seventies. His work and unselfish devotion to defending our honor and
interests in the nation served as a major guide to my own personal and political
development. I cherish having known many of the veteranos from San Diego who
were members of the San Diego AGIF. Gracias Charlie. Compaņero y fellow
Tejano nos vemos despues.
Gus Chavez
Defend The Honor
Now let me share some of Charlie's personal information mentioned in his
obituary dated May 14, 2009.
Charles Guerra Samarron, born July 16, 1922, passed away peacefully at the age
of 86 in his home on May 9, 2009, alongside his loving family after a long
battle with vascular disease. Charlie was born in San Antonio, TX, to mother
Elisa Leos and adoptive father Ines Samarron. He was raised in San Angelo, TX,
with his sister, Hope, and brothers, Mike and Joe. After his graduation from San
Angelo High School, he enlisted in the CCC in 1940, followed by the Marine Corps
from 1942-46. He battled in the South Pacific on islands such as Iwo Jima and
Saipan, and returned as a highly decorated soldier.
He later resided in San Diego, working at the Federal Civil Service where he
spent 30 years as a Deputy Equal Employment Officer for the Navy. He also worked
as an Aviation tech, as well as a production controller for many years, until he
retired from North Island Naval Base in 1975. After retiring, he was a highly
active member in the community and various organizations. His involvements
included everything from being a Boy Scout
leader and baseball coach to backing the Chicano civil rights movements - where
he was appointed Chairman of the American GI Forum.
He was also affiliated with the Chicano Federation, VFW Don Diego Post, MAAC
Project, and Operation SER. He proudly served as foreman for San Diego County
Grand Jury one year, and acquired employment with the State at E.D.D. where he
loved helping people find employment and direction in life.
In 1973, fate would have it to meet the love of his life, Rosa Maria Ochoa,
where they would happily be married for 35 years and raise three boys. His
passion for life, love, and happiness was expressed with friends and family
through Latin music and dancing. He devoted most of his time to his children's
upbringing to ensure a better life than he had.
He was well respected and admired by many communities for his admirable and
political contributions. He received numerous awards and notoriety for his
achievements and services throughout the years. Charles is survived by his
beloved wife Rosa Maria, Carlos Alfredo, Roberto Luis, and Oscar Antonio
Samarron. He will be deeply missed and loved as a husband, father, friend, and
companion that will continuously inspire those that knew him. As once quoted by
the late Carlos George Montalvo (Charles' brother-in-law), "I'm not afraid
of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today." You will be
forever missed, but never forgotten. May you Rest in Peace, Charlie. We will
reunite again someday.
We encourage family and friends to join our Rosary Services on Thursday, May
14th, at 6 p.m. at the Community Mortuary, 855 Broadway, Chula Vista 91911.
There will be a Burial Service on May 26th where Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at
Corpus Christi, 450 Corral Canyon Rd., Bonita, 91902. Following Mass, a Military
Service will be held in his honor at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Rosecrans National
Cemetery in Point Loma.
Family Mailing Address
Rosa Samarron (wife) 2604 Table Rock Ave. Chula Vista, CA 91914 tele. 619-421-4462