Sam Scott Battista of Turlock, CA worked as a butcher at Turlock Supermarket, a mechanic at Olson’s Tractor Repair, a driver for Airgas, a housepainter with his father, brother, and nephew, and was a Master Craftsman. He was as proud of his work restoring downtown Turlock as he was building wheelchair ramps for his loved ones. He was truly a Sam-Of-All-Trades.
Sam lived more in 48 years than most men do in twice the time. He spent his youth with friends and family surfing, skiing, shooting, scuba diving, camping, dirt bike riding and getting into mischief. In adulthood, he shared a few more hobbies with those he loved such as cooking, sand railing, motorcycle riding, fishing, boating, playing with RC cars, and restoring his 1971 VW bus.
Sam is missed and forever loved by his daughters, Coral and Mira, whom he loved so fiercely, his wife Martine, his parents Dwight and Connie, his brother and sister-in-law Dwight and Debbie, his nephews, Sam and Dylan, his 2nd Ma, Sharon Pickering, so many friends who ARE family, and of course, his faithful puppers, Isla and Tro.
Sam has now joined many loved ones at the Great Lobster/Taco/BBQ Party in the sky. They have been looking forward to his friendly smile, quick wit, and tasty ribs. He has finally reunited with his brother Mike, who taught him how to love, his Granddad Sam, who taught him how to really and truly live, his Nana, who taught him how to speak his mind, his Gramma 2, who taught him the importance of serving food HOT, his trusty pup Snoopy, who taught him that it’s okay to bark once in a while, his Grandmother Frances, who taught him it’s never too late to love, and his 2nd Pa, Dave Pickering, who should have taught him how to fish but instead taught him how to laugh. Please leave your memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com
Sam - you have taught us all. Love You. Miss You. See You.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, February 28, 2015