Samuel Nuňez Sauceda of Avenal passed away at a hospital in San Jose on Saturday, January 11th at the age of 85. Samuel was born in Matamoros, Mexico to Francisco and Rita Sauceda. He joined the Mexican Army and in 1965 moved to Texas. In 1967 his family moved with him to Texas and in 1969 they moved to Avenal. Samuel was a musician and played the guitar and bass but he could play anything with strings. He also worked on the farm as a heavy equipment operator. Samuel’s band was Renovación Norteňa de Avenal. He was a member of St. Josph’s Catholic Church where he would play every Sunday and would also play at the weddings and quinceañeras.
Samuel is survived by his wife of 62 years: Camila R. Sauceda, 6 children: Samuel Sauceda, Jr. of Avenal, Frank Sauceda of TX, Joe Sauceda of Coarsegold, Martha Preciado of San Diego, Virginia Mason of WA, Rolando Sauceda of Avenal, 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, numerous cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16th from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Vigil Rosary Service will be held on Thursday at 6 PM at St. Joseph’s. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 17th at 10:00 A.M. with burial to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Coalinga.