Simeon "Sammy" C. Canonizado's Obituary
Sammy Canonizado will be remembered for many things, above all his music, his generous heart, and his love of family. Sammy Canonizado was born April 21, 1927 in San Narciso, Zambales, Philippines. In 1946, at the age of 19, he began working at Comptroller Dept., Ship Repair Facility, US Naval Base, Subic Bay, Philippines. That is where he met Emma Legaspi, whom he would marry in 1948. Together they would have three children: Tess, Cesar, and Jojo. After retiring from his job at the US Naval Base in 1984, he went on to play piano for a band in Phantasialand- the most popular theme park in Germany attracting almost 2 million people annually. In 1987 he and Emma arrived in the United States, joining Tess and her family. Sammy continued to work as a professional pianist in San Diego. He worked at a Piano Center, played for churches and senior citizen functions, and gigged at hot spot restaurants like Cafe La Maze, and the Red Fox Piano Bar. He was also an intellectual, enjoying writing, crosswords, and competing in chess tournaments. After the passing of beloved wife Emma, Sammy remarried Rosa. Everyone who knew Sammy will have many lovely memories of his warm, friendly, giving nature. He leaves behind three children, 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and countless friends and family who love him and will miss dearly.
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