Search by Name

Search by Name

Samuel Bernard "Sammy" Nunez Jr.

Samuel Nunez Obituary

Longtime state legislator and former president of the Louisiana Senate, Samuel Bernard "Sammy" Nunez Jr. passed away Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, of complications from pneumonia. The 81-year-old Plaquemines Parish resident served in the Louisiana Legislature for more than three decades beginning with his election to the House of Representatives in 1964 and continuing with his election to the Senate in 1969 until he completed his legislative service in 1996. In 1980, Sen. Nunez's colleagues chose him as Senate president pro-tempore. In 1982, they elected him Senate president, a position he held from 1982-1988 and again from 1990-1996 with additional service as president pro-tempore in the interim from 1988-1990. During his tenure in the Legislature, he served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1973, where he was responsible for the creation of the homestead exemption. He led efforts to reform the state's budget process with the establishment of the Revenue Estimating Conference in the state Constitution, authored legislation to create the SECURE Commission, a major streamlining government effort from 1993-1995, was instrumental in the construction of the Louisiana Superdome, the New Orleans Arena and the Ernest Morial Convention Center and was the driving force in the push for the construction of the Crescent City Connection, Interstate 510 and the West Bank Expressway. He also promoted the development of the Nunez Community College that was named in honor of his late wife, Elaine P. Nunez, worked tirelessly to protect Louisiana's coast and the interests of the seafood and fisheries industry. He is credited with modernizing and streamlining the operations of the Louisiana Senate. Sammy Nunez Jr. was active in national legislative affairs and served as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Southwest Energy Council. After leaving the Legislature, he served on the board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans from 2004-2009, holding the position of president in 2008. Throughout his decades of public service, Sammy Nunez was considered a gentleman, a statesman and a peacemaker who crossed party lines to get things done for the people of Louisiana. He was a tireless, dedicated public servant who wanted nothing but the best for Louisiana and its citizens. Sammy Nunez Jr. was born on Jan. 27, 1930. He graduated from Joseph Maumus High School and attended LSU, graduating with a bachelor's degree. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955, participating in the Korean War with honors. The longtime operator and president of the Nunez Insurance Agency is survived by his wife, Cynthia Wall Nunez; mother-in-law, Minere Wall; sister-in-law, Joni W. Watkins; niece, Caroline Grace Watkins; sister-in-law, Adele "Tudy" Nunez; nephew, Hillary Nunez; and niece, Christie Nunez. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine P. Nunez; parents, Sammy Nunez Sr. and Leonia Nunez; and his brother, Hillary Joseph "Tookie" Nunez. Pallbearers will be State Senate President John Alario, former state Sen. Hank Lauricella, former state Rep. Ken Odinet Sr., St. Bernard Parish District Attorney Jack Rowley, former Jefferson Parish District Attorney John Mamoulides, retired State Police Maj. Ken Curlee, George Kleinpeter and nephew Hillary Nunez. Visitation at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 a.m. until Mass of the Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m., officiated by Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond. Eulogy to be delivered by Gov. Edwin W. Edwards. Burial follows at St. Bernard Memorial Gardens, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette. The family offers a special thank you to Sylvia Duke, Wilva Gross and Anna Rodriguez for their decades of love and support. Arrangements entrusted to Greenwood Funeral Home.

Published by The Advocate from Jan. 17 to Jan. 18, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Nunez

Not sure what to say?





SAMMY SERVED WITH ME ON THE LOUISIANA CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION MORE THAN 45 YEARS AGO. I ALWAYS ENJOYED LISTENING TO HIS HUMOROUS STORIES. SAMMY WOULD SOMETIMES START A HUMOROUS STORY AND TURN IT OVER TO CHALIN FOR THE CONCLUSION. IF SAMMY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN REPRESENTING HIS PEOPLE, HE WOULD HAVE REPLACED JOHNNY CARSON WHEN HE RETIRED. I WILL MISS SAMMY SO MUCH AND PRAY FOR HIM. EARL SCHMITT, ELECTED DELEGATE FROM ALGIERS AND FRIEND OF
SAMMY.

EARL J. SCHMITT

Friend

January 11, 2020

So sorry to hear of cousin Sammy's passing. Everytime I met Sam he was smiling and would recall Grandma Wade's remarks when he was a young man. He never forgot his roots or the old people.He always asked me about my dad, Leo Nunez. Our thought and prayers go out to his family.

Arthur Nunez,Sr.

January 20, 2012

Will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. You were a gentleman, a scholar, and a man of great passion for life. I will the miss the stories we exchange when you came to the courthouse on occasion.

Rest in peace my family & friend
Errol

Errol & Jean Nunez

January 20, 2012

I worked with Sammy while employed at Burk-Kleinpeter for several years. He was a great man and a loyal friend. I will always treasure the memories I have when working with him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Rest in peace Sammy!

April Adams

January 19, 2012

Louisiana has lost a great man. We have another Saint in heaven watching over us. My prayers go out to his family.

Janet Evans

January 18, 2012

We should all respect and appreciate the good work Senator Nunez performed as he served in the Louisiana legislature. Our prayers go out to his family and loved ones. Senator A.G. Crowe Senate District 1

Senator A.G. Crowe

January 18, 2012

So sorry I could not attend the service and that I had not seen Sammy in awhile. We all have such fond memories of Sammy, Tookie, Aunt Leona and Uncle Sam. What a wonderful family sho touched ALL! My love and sympathy to all of the family!

Lynn Gagnon

January 18, 2012

I will never forget what you did for my Mother, you will be always remember Sammy...RIP

Helen Cook

January 18, 2012

Thanks for helping make St. Bernard a great place to live and raise families. Your contibutions as a political leader really made a difference. Rest In Peace Senator and God Bless you and your family.
Anthony Libasci and family

Anthony Libasci

January 18, 2012

I WORKED ON THE REVENUE, FINANCE AND TAXATION COMMITTEE IN CC73. SAMMY WAS A VERY POWERFUL FACTOR IN MANY ARTICLES THAT WERE ADOPTED IN THE CONSTITUTION. HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND GOOD HUMOR TO SPREAD TO EVERYONE WHETHER A WAITER, HOBO OR A GOVERNOR.

SAMMY WAS VERY GENEROUS TO A FAULT. EVERYONE LOVED HIM ESPECIALLY MY FATHER WHO WAS A LEGISLATOR FOR 17 YEARS. HE WAS A FRIEND OF THE DOWNCAST.

JAY SCHMITT

EARL JAY SCHMITT

January 18, 2012

Another great man has left us physically, but he will always be with us in spirit....

Jimmie Jackson

January 18, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Sandy (Nunez) and Larry Taffaro, from Meraux, now living in Baton Rouge, LA

Larry Taffaro

January 18, 2012

MAY YOUR HEARTS BE FILLED WITH FOND MEMORIES. ' WHEN NOTHING BUT THE BEST ' WAS GIVEN FOR LOUISIANA AND ITS CITIZENS; FROM A CARING MAN. ALGIERS, LA.

January 18, 2012

Your love for the people of Saint Bernard and the State of Louisiana will never be forgotten. Thanks Sammy for your hard work and dedication. You have given so much.

Cindy & Cliff Englande,
St Bernard School Board President
Nunez Community College Board Member

January 18, 2012

I HAD TO GO AWAY

I had to go away.
I'm sorry you couldn't come with me.
But on earth is where you shall stay.
Please do not be sad.
Instead laugh and be glad.
I'm in a beautiful place, such a beautiful place.
I know you wont see me for a while.
But you will hear from me.
I will be the wind that will chill you on a hot summer day.
I will be the sun that will warm you when it's cold.
Listen to the birds sing, I will be saying, "I love you" in their song.
I know you can't touch me.
But you will feel me.
Because I will be inside of you giving you life on the days you feel like you can't go on anymore.
Please I beg of you, go on, and live your life as I lived mine.
Always remember we will be together again.
I will be patiently waiting for you on that day.
When you will join me in this beautiful place.
Until then may God bless you with his almighty grace.
Written By: Kimberly Ann Kerek

Kim Kerek

January 18, 2012

My condolences to the family. Senator Nunez will be missed. He was truly a dedicated man to our institution here at Nunez Community College.

Josie DiCristina

January 18, 2012

The faimly miss u and love u
John gonzales and lisa gonzales and kid and family

John Gonzales

January 18, 2012

THANKS for all your LOVE and DEDICATION TO STATE OF LOUISIANA ILL NEVER FORGET >NATIVE to NOW LIVIN IN COLORADO.

RAMONA SPADOONI

January 17, 2012

We would like to convey our deepest sympothy to the family of Sammy,He has been a part of all our lives here in St.bERNARD AND WILL Be missed.

Marian Longo

January 17, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Marie Gonzales

January 17, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. His dedication and service to Louisiana will always be remembered. He was a great man,politician and a gift to St. Bernard Parish. He will sadly be missed.

Patricia Newman

January 17, 2012

The Dale Mansfield family sends our sincere sympathy and our prayers that God will give you comfort and peace in the coming days.

Dale Mansfield

January 17, 2012

My condolences on the death of your loved one. he was a vital part of crating what I consider to be a family at Nunez Community College. During my work history at Nunez, Senator Nunez visited our campus and supported our endeavors to educate people, for which I will be forever grateful.

Michele Minor

January 17, 2012

We'll remember you in our prayers, Sammy. Thanks for all you did for those of us in St. Bernard.

Bobby & Olive Putfark

January 17, 2012

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Rest in peace Sammy,I am proud to have known you.

Henry Gaudet

January 17, 2012

A "welcoming smile and a hearty Southern Gentleman hello", are two things I fondly remember about Senator Nunez. "Sammy Nunez" was an officer of NCSL soon after I joined the organization. He loved hosting meetings in his beloved Louisiana. I enjoyed working with him and his staff (and with Miss Cindy!). May you all be comforted in this time of sorrow -- and rejoice in all he accompished in his lifetime.

Deana Blackwood

January 17, 2012

My sincere condolence to the Nunez family members. May your fond memories of Sammy continue to live in your hearts.Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

(Colonel Ret.) Earl & Rosalie Santos

Earl Santos

January 17, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

John Jay Bubrig, Jr.

January 17, 2012

Our sincerest codolences to the entire Nunez Family for St. Bernard Parish's one and only truely greatest son. From Guy Michel and the entire Michel Family.

Guy Michel

January 17, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Maurice Pujol
Geneva, AL

January 17, 2012

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Samuel Bernard (Sammy) Nunez, Jr. our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Sammy. And to Sammy it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Korean War while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Sammy, we also recognize and thank you for your many years of legislative service to the State of Louisiana. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,307 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Sammy's family and loved ones.

Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

January 17, 2012

I love u uncle sammy u were a very special person u will be missed alot

christy gonzales

January 17, 2012

most devoted person I knew, RIP Sammy, you were loved by many...Helen Cook

Helen Cook

January 16, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Lloyd Kenney,Jr.

January 16, 2012

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results

Make a Donation
in Samuel Nunez's name

Memorial Events
for Samuel Nunez

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Samuel's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Samuel Nunez's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more