from Stefano Soatto

Many have commented on his contagious enthusiasm, and that is not an overstatement. From the day I met Sam - when he first arrived at Caltech as a graduate student - what struck me was his instant affability. The photos you see posted around are nice, but they do not portray of the sparkle in his eyes, that betrayed his intellectual curiosity, his eagerness to communicate, understand and explain. Somehow, conversation with Sam was always interesting, regardless of the topic, and regardless of the venue -- from the classroom to the jacuzzi (those who were present at the CNS parties at JA's house in the mid nineties may still remember ...)

So many things were a reason to be enthusiastic for Sam. Even London's weather (!) I recall vividly when I first saw him after he had moved to England, at a terrace party at friend's house in London. He looked completely different than the CNS graduate student: He was sporting a smart suit and fancy eyewear (those you do see portrayed in the posted photos.) But the sparkle in his eyes, and the joy, enthusiasm and curiosity were unchanged. Many of us were lucky to have witness that.

That sparkle in his eyes is something that his daughters will never experience. And that is just tragic. There is no other way to put it.