Sammy J. Patrenella, age 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 30, 2023.   He was born on September 3rd, 1935, to Luke and Nita Patrenella.  He lived in Houston his entire life.  He attended St.  Joseph and St. Anne grade schools and graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1953.  He married Josephine Marie Musachia January 25, 1959; and had three wonderful children.  He is survived by his daughter Clara and husband Michael Springer; daughter Rosanette "Bodie" and husband Jerry Martinez; and son Sammy and wife Gail; grandchildren: Michael and wife Dana, Christopher and wife Lindsey, and Nicholas Springer; Jacob and wife Erica and Joshua Patrenella; and Destini Martinez; great-grandchildren:  Matilda and Zelda Springer; Lily Springer and one on the way; and Amelia Patrenella.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, his parents, and his brother Luke Leon Patrenella.

Sammy was a devout Catholic with many passions and hobbies.  He loved to play poker and ran numerous poker games at the young age of 18. He attended the very first World Series of Poker tournament, then several years later, he became a player himself.  He was an avid reader and huge sports fan, especially his love for baseball.  He loved all sports, but always pulled for the underdog regardless.  He was very passionate about the Italian and local communities.  He took pride in planning the St. Thomas' Class of '53 reunions.  He enjoyed his garden and loved being a part of the Plumeria Society.  He loved growing cucuzzas and was determined each year to grow one larger than the previous year.

He grew up in a big Italian family, and family was the utmost importance to him.  Being a father was his greatest achievement.  He instilled many family values and morals in his children which have been passed down generations. The true blessing was when he became a grandpa (PaPa).  His grandsons were his pride and joy. He was so proud of their accomplishments and would brag about them constantly. The days were much brighter when they were around, and he loved watching them grow into amazing young men.  The excitement and blessings continued when he became a great grandfather to four beautiful great granddaughters.  He loved the generation it created, and those four girls were the apple of his eye. He would love watching them grow and had a huge smile on his face as he watched videos of them as the moments were captured.

Growing up he had a close relationship with his cousins.   They were more like brothers and sisters. They were one ginormous family and would get together at the drop of a hat. He loved to travel.   He loved to go to the bay, and he always enjoyed eating the catch.  He enjoyed a good hunting trip and treasured the camaraderie rather than the hunt.  He looked forward to happy hour with his friends. Once a year, he enjoyed hosting a Christmas party which included a gambling night out for the men. Most of all, his biggest passion was his love for cooking.  He loved to try new recipes with a tweak of his own and would pass out samples for others to taste and enjoy. His cookbook collection was beyond imaginable.

In 1992, they anxiously opened Patrenella's Restaurant on Jackson Hill in the neighborhood where he grew up.  Quickly it expanded from one house to three and became one of the top places to dine in Houston.   It felt like home filled with love, and the hospitality was experienced by all who visited.   His food was so delicious, but his personality made it taste even better.  He joined many of the patrons at their table for a good story and a glass of wine.  On Wednesdays his St. Thomas friends would meet at the restaurant and they became known as the Lunch Bunch. The restaurant remained open for 30 incredible years, sharing their appreciation for food and serving others. He adored the fact that he was in the National Geographic Food Journeys of a Lifetime.

Our dad, papa, uncle, cousin, friend, boss will forever be in our hearts and minds.  He leaves a void that will never be filled.  However, his stories will live on; but we will never be able to tell them as creatively as he did, but we will try; and let his legend live on forever.

The pallbearers are his beloved grandsons:  Michael, Christopher, Nicholas, Jacob, and Joshua; and son-in-law Jerry.  At his request, the St. Thomas High School Class of 1953 will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, give with purpose and please consider donating in our dad's name at St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007 or at www.sths.org.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November, 7, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm., the Rosary will be prayed at 6:00pm., at Peevey Funeral Home, 12440 Beamer Road, Houston, Texas 77089.  Church mass will be held Wednesday, November 8, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's the Evangelist Catholic Church at 11011 Hall Road, Houston, Texas 77089. The funeral procession will follow immediately at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023.