Samuel Guardiola Sr.

Samuel Guardiola Sr. passed away at home, surrounded by family on the evening of Friday, August 22, 2025 at the young age of 72. Sam, as he was known, was born in Bluetown, TX in December 1952.

Sam is preceded in death by his father Epifanio Guardiola and his most beloved mother Maria Guardiola; and his in-laws Inez and Margaret Martinez, all of Texas City.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Rita Guardiola, his 3 children Sam Guardiola and wife Karen; Michael Guardiola; and Raquel Guardiola and fiancé Travis Stribling. Sam is also survived by his grandson Jeremy Guardiola and wife, Jordan, step grandchildren Ashleigh and Jeff Hoffmann; granddaughter Brynlee Guardiola and his great-granddaughter Lucia Drolet-Guardiola.

Sam is also survived by all 9 of his siblings. Of the 9, two held a special place in his heart, Sofia Barajaz and husband Leonard, and Paula Coronado and husband, Ed. Also mourning his loss are sister-in-law Letty, brothers-in-law, Dan and Inez, Brynlee’s mom Jennifer and her big sisters, Addison and Emma.

Sam is a graduate of Texas City High School and a lifelong Texas City resident. He had a strong work ethic which began at an early age when he would travel to California with his family in the summers as a child to pick oranges. As a teenager he worked various jobs including paint and body shops, Dave’s Army & Navy Store, Shell gas station (when gas was 35 cents/gallon and full customer service provided). In the 70’s Sam went from GTE (when phones had rotary dials and hung on the wall) to Union Carbide in Texas City. In 2018, after 42 years he retired from Dow Chemical which had acquired Carbide in 2001. During his Carbide/Dow career he held many roles, including, operator, laborer, pipe fitter, planner, maintenance tech in the V&P and PRD areas. He was also a member of the Fire Squad. When he wasn’t at work, he could often be found working on one of his many “projects” or helping those that needed him. Despite his extensive career he was always first and foremost a family man, illustrated by helping with the recent year long assistance with his son’s medical condition followed by the night shift of caregiving for his father, the latter delaying his own health care. Sam enjoyed traveling, fishing, coaching, cooking, grilling, gardening and helping others, all of which he did with and for his family.

A special thank you for the caring staff of Three Oaks Hospice, especially for care received from Stuart and Clarissa. The family would also like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to all family and friends who were there for us and reached out with love, support, prayers, and food during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to American Cancer Society or St. Mary’s of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Texas City.

The family will receive friends at 5:00PM on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Carnes Funeral Home, 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, TX 77591. Sam’s Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6:00PM.