Samuel M Cabello Jr, affectionally known to family and friends as "Pops" passed away on Tuesday, July 6 ^th , 2021 surrounded by family. He is survived by his beloved wife and companion of 43 years, Alma R Cabello, (nee Saldana), children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, stepbrother John J. Sternal (Ramona), and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Forever the Squirrel, he was a wonderful father to his children, Angelica Cabello (Danny); Robert Torres Jr. (Yesenia); Samuel M Cabello III (Cathy); Selena Haavig (Bill).  He was a doting grandfather to his grandchildren, Ariel, Athena, Delilia, Tatiana, Amaya, Matthew, Benjamin, Brandon and Andrew.  And nothing made him smile more than his great grandchildren, Atticus, Artemus and one on the way.

The family rests easier knowing Pops is at peace after a very short but arduous battle with lung cancer. He is in Heaven, partying with family and friends who have gone before him, including his father Samuel Cabello Sr, his stepmother Mary Cabello, his mother Mary Castro, his sister Linda Cabello, and his stepsister Evelyn Rodriguez. He's also probably on his 2 ^nd home improvement project by now. We hope Heaven has a Menards.

Sam was larger than life with a big personality filled with joy and humor. To know him was to love him. Sam loved to fix things. Whether it was cars, houses, or people, he believed everything could be fixed with the right tool and some duct tape. It was his ingenuity that earned him the title of "The Squirrel." He had a vast collection of hats and suspenders. Nobody could rock a suspender like Pops. Notably, he loved music and was a musician from his teenage years. Sporting long hair, a beanie and a guitar, he played in several bands and the love of music ran through his whole life and through his family. Another great love of Sam's was the holidays. He had a passion for decorations, and he often said "Needs more lights" when setting up his décor. Pops would start early and add decorations often. His Christmas village took up the entire family room and is the stuff of legends. Pops went so far as to hand make billboards to put in his village. Then there were the holiday parties with the Ugly Sweater competition. Pops would create sweaters with lights and tinsel and proudly wear them with his holiday themed suspenders. Sam's greatest love was his family. Family is everything and he passed down that lesson to his children and grandchildren.

A  memorial visitation for Samuel will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Schroeder Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 3010 Ridge Road, Lansing, IL with Father Mark Kalema officiating. Samuel will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Calumet City, Illinois.  One day his name will bring a smile before a tear and we hope that this day comes sooner rather than later. Samuel was loved by many and he will be truly missed. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Samuel's name to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association would be appreciated.