Samuel Decalo's Obituary
Beloved father, grandfather, husband and professor, Samuel Decalo (84) died early in the morning of October 10, 2022 at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida.
Born in November 1938 in Sofia, Bulgaria to Eliezer and Djoya Decalo, Sam lived a life of travel and study that took him around the world. His books include the award-winning “Coups and Army Rule,” “The Stable Minority: Civilian Rule in Africa,” and “Psychosis of Power.” African political study and art remained a passion even into retirement. During the Obama administration, the government drew upon Sam’s expertise.
Sam was particularly fond of the Jewish community in Gainesville, and rarely missed the chance to inject spirited debate into Torah study at Congregation B’nai Israel. Sam was an avid opera fan and a lover of corny jokes who when his children said they didn’t feel like cereal, often told them that they didn’t look like cereal either.
A person of contradictions and inner struggle, Sam’s turbulent nature sometimes cost him valued relationships, but he was also filled with love and acceptance he had difficulty expressing. In his last years, Sam battled with dementia, and his last obsession was bringing the family together. His funeral tragically does that. His last words were “I love you.”
Sam was predeceased by his sister Gretti Izak, and leaves behind his loving wife Roma. Their children, Niv and Ruth, are joined with their spouses Shirley Hasson and Chris Baum in mourning. Little grandchildren Ilana and Landon Decalo treasure the memory of their grandfather.
Graveside funeral services will be held Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10am at B’nai Israel Cemetery.
The family will receive friends during Shiva to be held at 11409 NW 8th Place on Thursday from 4-6pm, closing with evening services, and on Friday from 10am-12pm.
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