Name: Sam Macaluso
Birth Date: 11/29/1950
City: Reno
State: Nevada
Country: United States
Date of Death: 12/01/2023
Introduction:
Much like the “Sagebrush Sam” persona he created in the 1990s, Sam Macaluso was one of a kind. A native Nevadan, who grew up in Sparks and Reno, and contributed as a banker, a teacher, a Nevada Air National guardsman, a coach for We the People and in various roles at the Nevada Historical Society, to name only a few. The first time I met Sam in 2018, he generously offered to help track my family’s history out of Eureka, Nevada. He was a joy to watch lead an elementary school tour, engage in lively discussions and serve as NHS Docent Council president. Few things are as clear as Sam’s love of the Silver State. Since 2014 to his passing, Sam influenced NHS Docents and visitors alike. — Jody Covington, president of the Nevada Historical Society Docent Council, 2024
Obituary
On December 1, 2023, Sagebrush Sam passed into the Nevada sunset. Born in Reno on November 29, 1950, to Santi and Neva Macaluso, he attended Robert Mitchell ES, Sparks MS, and Sparks HS. As a kindergartner at Robert Mitchell, Sam spoke Italian only but quickly learned English. His early years were filled with friends, Boy Scouts, altar serving, and hunting and fishing.
At 19, Sam joined the Nevada Air National Guard. He later enrolled at UNR and earned a Bachelor of Science in History and Biology Education, and later a Master of Arts in Education. As a student worker at UNR Building and Grounds, he met Maria Lyn Moiola, and they married in 1974. Two children, Tomas and Monica, made their family complete. Upon graduation, Sam became a Banker for First National Bank of Nevada and later Security Bank. He left banking and became a 4th grade teacher focusing on Nevada history, rocks, and minerals. He retired from teaching and went to work at the Nevada Air National Guard where he filled many positions, his favorite was the Base Historian. Sam was also active with the Nevada Mining Association and their teacher workshops. Sagebrush Sam, the Oldest Living Miner in Nevada, was born, and he began his Nevada storytelling career at workshops and classrooms all over Nevada. He earned many awards for his teaching. American, Civil War, and Nevada history were his passions. He lectured on these topics throughout Nevada. In 1999, he began volunteering in the We the People program at Reed HS in Tomas and Monica’s classes. He later began coaching WTP students at Reno HS and continued up to his passing. He loved the students and their thirst for knowledge. In recent years Sam was the President of the Docent Council for the Nevada Historical Society. Student tours and teaching students about Nevada brought him joy. Sam looked forward to his twice a year Mining Teacher workshops in Reno and Vegas. Sagebrush Sam and his edible geology workshops were legendary! Everywhere he went he told stories, making Nevada and American history come alive. The special awards and recognition Sam received are impressive and far reaching, proving he never gave up on his love of learning. In September, Sam was blessed to go on Honor Flight Nevada with his daughter Monica. It was the trip of a lifetime.
Sam’s love of family, friends, church, and community touched many lives. Sam was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sparks serving as altar server coordinator, lector, Eucharistic Minister, and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He trained many altar servers at Immaculate Conception including his grandchildren Lucia and Vito Macaluso. Sam, Maria, and Guido, their registered therapy dog, made dog visits regularly to schools, churches, and hospitals until Guido’s passing.
Sam leaves behind his wife Maria of 49 ½ years, his son Tomas (Erin), daughter Monica (Matt), and his beloved grandchildren Lucia, Vito, and Luca. Nello, his new dog, brought much joy to his life. Sam’s sister Rosemary Simpson (Mike) and brother Steve Macaluso were Sam’s playmates and best friends bringing him love and joy. Wonderful family and friends helped Sam on his last journey bringing him much peace and comfort. A huge thank you to them and to his doctors and nurses who helped him beat the odds for four years. Gentiva Hospice became family during Sam’s last week, providing him and his family loving care and friendship. Words aren’t enough to thank everyone who loved Sam!
His hope for you is to love your family, friends, and America. Take the opportunity to try something new, open your mind to the possibilities, and enjoy every minute. Broaden your horizons…it’s never too late to learn!
Sponsored by NHS Docent Council, Reno, Nevada — 06/04/2024
