Samuel Sullivan Osterhage
On September 19, 2014, just weeks shy of his 18th birthday, Samuel Sullivan Osterhage passed away in Los Angeles after a long and courageous battle with cardiomyopathy. Sam was born October 29, 1996.
Sam had tremendous spirit and drive. Supported by his family, loved ones, and friends, Sam fought valiantly over the past year. Through humor, strength of character and a can-do attitude, Sam rallied to beat numerous medical odds before finally succumbing to complications of his condition.
Always one to push himself, Sam was a GATE student at Washington Elementary school, La Colina Jr. High School and Dos Pueblos High School. Even when Sam’s health challenges prevented him from continuing at DPHS, he began independent study through Alta Vista High School. Sam was very active in the community. He had a passion for swimming and water polo. He excelled on the YMCA swim Team, in Jr. Life Guards, and on both his Club and DPHS water polo teams.
Sam’s other passion was music and his guitars. He spent much of his time at the local Rockshop Academy. He was actively involved in the local program for aspiring musicians. Sam was elected to the Academy’s Youth Advisory Board and wrote and received a grant from Generations United for a project in which young people would play music with senior citizens.
Sam was larger than life and embodied the definition of zest and exuberance. To meet him was to love him instantly and become fast friends. If a person’s life is gauged on how many friends he had, Sam led a full and wonderfully rich life.
The community rallies around Sam creating Team SamO. SamO is a favorite nickname.
Sam is survived by his biggest fan, his 12 year old brother, Jesse Osterhage, his parents Judy Sullivan Osterhage and Steve Osterhage, and many cousins, aunts and uncles.
Sam joins family, his deceased aunts Noreen Hays, Vicki Mayer, and Mary Sullivan, and grandparents Florence Osterhage, Peg and John Sullivan, in heaven, where we know he is playing his music and bringing laughter and love to all.
Thank you Sammy for your laughter, your music, your smiles, and your hugs. We will always remember and love you!