Dr. Sam (Sotirios) A. Marandos, Ed.D was born April 4, 1943 in the small village of Vasilitis, Messinia, Greece. He was preceded in death by his father Anthony Marandos and his mother Anastasia. His father Anthony was a casualty of war soon after Sam's birth. Sam and his mother immigrated to the United States passing through Ellis Island (on the ship Olympia) in 1955, when his mother remarried Haralambos (Harry) Venizelos and settled in Roseville, California. A graduate of Roseville High School Class of 1962, he served in the Army at Fort Ord in Monterey, California and Fort Lewis in the state of Washington. After his time in the Army, Sam went on to begin his academic career. Working odd jobs, he put himself through college earning a BA and Masters in Education from California State University at Sacramento. It was also during his studies that he met the love of his life, Ourania (Ann) Papajohn, through friends in 1969.
Their courtship was short, but their life together lasted more than 55 years. During those years, they were both supportive of each others dreams to become Teachers. As they began their life together on June 15, 1969 as husband and wife, they almost immediately began their family with the arrival of their first child, Anthony in May, 1970. In 1971, Sam began his long-tenure with Lodi Unified School District as an Elementary School Teacher at Turner School. Sam and Ann had two more precious children, Peter in May, 1973 and Demetria in July, 1974. In 1977 Sam and Ann built a custom home for their family in Elk Grove,California, where they continue to reside.
Sam had a thirst for learning and understood the value of education. As such, in 1976 he began pursuing his Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of San Francisco. Working long hard hours and weekends, he completed his Doctorate in 1982 with a joyous graduation celebration in San Francisco. Sam's Dissertation in Reading was reviewed and cited by many over the years. Sam was well regarded in the education community and co-authored books, led research and made regular presentations at conferences in the Western US and internationally in Greece.
In 1984 Sam began teaching Teacher Credentialing courses for National University. Sam taught for National University for approximately 37 years and played an important role in developing NU's Teacher Credentialing program. Sam enjoyed a long fulfilling career with Lodi Unified School District for nearly 35 years. Education was Sam's passion. Additionally, Sam taught various courses for Chapman University as well as numerous Adult Education and ESL classes in Sacramento and Elk Grove. He literally influenced the lives of thousands over the years.
When he wasn't working, Sam enjoyed time with family and friends. Sunday dinners with lots of family were a regular routine. He would spend hours with his friends telling jokes. Sam especially enjoyed talking about his village, Vasilitsi. Even though he left his home country at a young age, he would reminisce often with family and friends. He was very fond of his village and the surrounding area.
Sam was an avid movie goer as well. Science Fiction and Westerns were his favorites. He would spend many nights stargazing in a lawn chair in the backyard wondering what was out there yet to be discovered. He also had a knack for reading and could complete an entire novel in one sitting, cover to cover, in just a couple of hours. Sam also enjoyed being outdoors. On their property in Elk Grove, Sam and his family raised countless cows, sheep, chickens, rabbits, goats, pigs, dogs, cats and even a peacock. A relative once stated that he had recreated life in his village on a small plot of land in Elk Grove.
Unfortunately, Sam left this world on Saturday September 14, 2024 after a brief illness. His wife and family were by his side when he passed. He is survived by his wife Ann (Ourania), children Anthony (Vania), Peter, and Demetria (Carl) Berry and his adoring sister Mary Kontes and loving sister in law Joann and brother in law Giannis Papamichalis. He was beloved by his grandchildren Carl, Christopher, Zachary and Leonidas as well as by his adoring nephews Anthony & George (deceased) Kontes, and Dimitris and Kostas Papamichalis and Godson Petros Callas.
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Starts at 5:00 pm (Pacific time)
East Lawn Elk Grove
Thursday, September 19, 2024
6:00 - 7:00 pm (Pacific time)
East Lawn Elk Grove
Friday, September 20, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Pacific time)
Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
Reception To Follow at St. Katherine's Church Hall
Friday, September 20, 2024
Starts at 2:00 pm (Pacific time)
East Lawn East Sacramento
Visits: 333
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors