Sam K. Gruneisen

Born January 16, 1941, Age 71, Passed Away on September 28, 2012 in Ocoee, FL.

Louisville, Kentucky

Mother: Wauneda Gruneisen, Father: Samuel Gruneisen

A memorial service is planned for October 20, 2012 at 5p.m., Woodlawn Memorial in Gotha, FL.

Sam is Survived by his wife, Barbara, three children, and five grandchildren. Son, Scott and grand

daughter Jessica, son Stephen, wife Beth, granddaughters Nola and Megan, grandson Samuel.

Daughter Jennifer, husband Douglas Powelson, and granddaughter Emily. Sister Wanda Kelly (Gruneisen), Brother Roger Gruneisen, Sister Kathy Ward (Gruneisen), Brother Gary Gruneisen.

Sam grew up in Louisville, Kentucky in Germantown. He attended St. Xavier High School and

graduated in 1958. Sam earned a football scholarship to Villanova University in Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania. During his junior year at Villanova he married his high school sweatheart Barbara Ann Reibel of Louisville, Kentucky. They had begun to date at ages 17 and 15, Sam's junior year, Barbara's freshman year in high school. Sam would ultimately be inducted into both St. Xavier's Hall of

Honors and Villanova University's Honorees Wall of Fame.

Following Sam's collegiate career, he played end at Villanova, he was drafted in 1962 by the

American Football League's San Diego Chargers. He had been recruited by Al Davis, a defensive backfield coach for the Chargers at the time. Sam was in the same draft class as John Hadl,

Lance Alworth, and Frank Buncom. Sam began his twelve year career as a guard, eventually moving to starting center in 1965. As a starter, Sam did not miss a game for six years until he was sidelined

by a knee injury in 1971. During his tenure with the Chargers, he played under future Hall of Famer's Sid Gillman and Al Davis, and was a member of the 1963 Winning AFL Championship Team. Also, he competed in AFL Championship games in 1964 and 1965. Sam played for the Chargers until 1972, retiring prior to the 1973 season. Sam finished his playing career after being asked to come to the Houston Oilers by then Oilers Head Coach Sid Gillman. Sam started 10 games at Center during the 1973 season in Houston to finish his playing career.

After a successful football career, Sam immersed himself into the Grocery, Produce, and Health Food Store Industry for approximately eight years. Sam began to get the football itch again in 1981 and worked with Grossmont Jr. College, La Mesa California, serving as their offensive line coach which fueled the fire inside once again. Sam began his coaching career at the University of California Berkeley as the offensive line coach under Joe Kapp from 1981-1984. He later served as assistant head coach /offensive line coach to John Hadl for the Los Angeles Express of the United States Football League (USFL) for 1984 and 1985 football seasons. Sid Gillman was a special assistant to the team for those years until the league disbanded. 1986 season's took Sam to San Jose State were he served as

defensive coordinator under Claude Gilbert where they were PCAA Conference Champions, and 1986 California Bowl Champions. A job offer from Al Davis brought him to the Los Angeles Raiders to coach linebackers from 1987-1990. From 1995-1998 Sam was the defensive coordinator at Eastern Michigan University. While semi- retired Sam continued to stay involved in football, coaching part time at Gardner Webb University in N.C., working as the offensive line coach from 2000-2002, helping them to a 2002 Big South Championship.

During the years when not working Sam enjoyed playing amateur tournament golf, golfing with friends and family. He enjoyed watching youth and high school school sports as his children grew. He loved taking a few moments here and there to talk with, and to share a few pointers to high school teammates

where his two son's played football and golf. Sam maintained contacts with dear friends, teammates, opponents, former players, and coaches all through the years.

Sam went on to retire in a suburb of Orlando, FL with Barbara who cared for him throughout his illness. He remained thankful for all of life's blessings. He loved his family and never missed

an opportunity to tell us. Having us all of us together for special occasions meant the world to him. He loved to laugh and share stories of past and present happenings. He was so proud of his wife, his children, and grandchildren.

Sam passed away peacefully September 28, 2012 with his family by his side, cheering him on one last time. This time cheering him on through the Pearly Gates of Heaven. Sam will be missed by many, and always loved.

Related websites - www.chargers.com