Racine – Sam S. Garabedian, 93, passed away at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove on Monday, May 11, 2015. Sam was born in Racine on March 26, 1922 to Harry and Margaret Garabedian. He married the former Rose Manogian in Racine on February 8, 1958 and she preceded him in death on December 13, 1963. Sam graduated from Horlick High School in 1940, after which he served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a Drill Instructor in Basic Training, served in Tank Destroyers and later as a rifleman in the infantry. Sam served for more than two and a half years overseas in North Africa, England, France and Germany. Following victory in Europe, Sam's regiment served as Honor Guard for General Eisenhower at S.H.A.E.F. Headquarters. He remained there for six months, returning home in 1945. Sam returned to school and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He was employed in advertising and promotion by several newspapers, finally working for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for over 29 years, retiring in 1984. Sam was an active member of many veterans service organizations, and is a life member of V.F.W. Post 1391, Past Commander of American Legion Post 310 and Past Chef de Gare of Voiture 40 et 8 Post 497. He was a bugler and played Taps as a member of the various Veterans Service Honor Guards in the Racine area. Sam was a member of St. Mesrob Armenian Church where he served on the Parish Council and the maintenance crew. He loved listening to classical and Big Band music. Sam has been a member of the Racine YMCA since 1946. He was an ardent runner with the YMCA Running Group, logging thousands of miles. Survivors include his daughter, Kathleen Garabedian; sister-in-law, Martha Manogian; nephews, James Garbedian, Don LaFave, Jr., Richard LaFave and Dennis Musurlian; and nieces, Margaret Klemm and Angeline Ovasapian. Sam is also survived by other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his brother and sisters, Charles K. Garbedian, Rose Musurlian, Virginia LaFave and Cetina Ovasapian; and sister-in-law, Eugenie Garbedian. Funeral services for Sam will be held at St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church, 4605 Erie Street, on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Yeprem Kelegian officiating. Interment will follow at Mound Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, May 27, 2015 from 5 until 8 p.m. Memorials may be directed to St. Mesrob Armenian Church. Very special thanks to Jack Yetter and Tom Kaufmann for their dedicated friendship. Gratitude also to the caring staff of 3rd floor west- Boland Hall at the Wisconsin Veteran's Home Union Grove and to the wonderful people of VITAS Hospice. Forever Grateful.