Samuel Anthony Governale

Sam Governale was born August 30, 1941 in Los Angeles to Luke and Laura Governale. He grew up in Inglewood, California. He attended Morningside High School and worked at a grocery store as a bagger as well as working at the two flower shops that his parents owned. Morningside Exclusive Florist and 5th Avenue Florist. He graduated in 1959 from Morningside High School. Shortly after graduating he met Karen Coleman. After a short time they married and in 1961 were blessed with a beautiful daughter Teryl Ann.

Sam worked for Chaffe Ford and eventually opened an auto auction, Quartz Dealer Direct in Anaheim. Cars were his passion along with horseracing which was a big part of his life growing up. It was at Quartz that he met and married Maura who he referred to as “The One”. After a “few” marriages he said he finally got it right. He became Dad to Alvaro and Christina.

Throughout the years he owned many race horses with his sister Andrea and brother-in-law Steve.

He was an amazing man who always treasured his family. He was blessed with step-children Jon, James and Liz.

He was a grandfather to Casey and Cindy Shields, Ethan and Patrick Governale, Makayla and Ruby Governale and Alexis Slear.

Sam was a genuine gentleman and was loved by all who knew him.

Sam is survived by his wife Maura, son Alvaro Governale, daughter-in-law Lauren Governale, daughters Teri Smith and Christina Governale, sister Andrea Heboian, brother-in-law Steve Heboian, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Sam and his “one of a kind” personality will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.

A visitation for Samuel will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 1401 S Grand Ave, Glendora, CA 91740, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OakdaleMortuaryGlendora.com for the Governale family.