By Former State Rep. Steve Kennedy
I met Sammy over 60 years ago. It was fun to listen to his programs on KYVA since 1969. He and my younger sister Chris were classmates. He was helpful when I purchased many campaign ads during my second through fifth campaigns for State Representative, representing much of Gallup.
When my daughters Krista and Kendra were Girl Scouts and later Gallup High cheerleaders, Sammy was one of their top supporters. They remember him as the voice of Gallup during their youth.
Jovanna and I were at The Pit when he broadcast the GHS Girls Basketball games with his exciting and rich radio voice. Few people are gifted with such a voice for broadcasting.
When KGAK Radio decided to end its longstanding news program with John McBreen almost three decades ago, I had worked with John for ten years while I was a legislator, later as an Election Night commentator on his radio coverage, and then as the Director of the New Mexico Workers Compensation Administration. I personally contacted Sammy (as did others) to encourage him to hire John and keep his talents available for us in Gallup. Sammy was quick to see the advantage of expanding the KYVA staff to include John and his award-winning newscasts – a relationship that lasted for 20 years until John passed away.
I was on the Ceremonial Board the year that Sammy took over the night performance broadcasting duties. He provided a clear and informative introduction of each of the dance groups, individual dancers, and performers. Sammy and I served on the Board together for several years. He was key to some of our fundraising efforts.
Sammy exemplified the adage: “ If you want to get something done, ask a person who is really busy to help.”
He was a champion of youth, ranging from the TDFL football league to the annual Easter Egg hunts at Ford Canyon to the annual Rotary fundraisers for youth scholarships. Sammy was especially helpful to my wife Jovanna in promoting the annual Picnic in the Pines started years ago by Gallup residents of Croatian and Slovenian heritage. Sammy left his mark on more community efforts than many people realize.
In recent years, I got to know Sammy in a different way. His collection of sports and music memorabilia at Sammy C’s is a reflection of his strong interest in two widely different areas of our lives. We were both lectors at Sacred Heart Cathedral on a rotating schedule. He and Marie filled in for my daughter Kendra and me several times.
Sammy was proud of his Italian heritage, which we shared.
Sammy found many ways to promote things for the betterment of Gallup.
I will miss his smile, his imprint on our community, and our periodic conversations. It was an honor to work with him. Jovanna and I extend our deepest condolences to Marie, Giovanni (who is my ATO fraternity brother), Francesca, and the extended family members of Salvatore Chioda.
RIP Sammy!
