Jorge Bracamonte: More Than a Custodian
PHOTO ABOVE: Day custodian Jorge Bracamonte (left) worked with Jeff Peoples to keep our campus clean. Bracamonte passed away Oct. 16. photo by Chanée Washington, contributor
The news that Samo’s day custodian Jorge Bracamonte had passed away became public on Thursday, Oct. 20, when Samo Principal Dr. Antonio Shelton announced on the loud speakers. Silence reigned throughout Samo.Bracamonte tragically passed away on the weekend of the 16th of October. The circumstances of his death are currently unknown as his mourning family haven’t yet reached out to share information. Teachers all around Samo are reminiscing about Bracamonte.“I am deeply deeply saddened by this news,” science teacher Kate Song said. “Jorge was such a warm person who always had time to talk and help. When my dad was going through cancer, he would stop and ask me about him, pray for him, and give me great advice. I can’t believe it.”Jorge’s wake took place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Chapel of the Valley Mortuary in Palmdale. Many people all around Samo are deeply shaken, including Jorge’s long time friend and day custodian, Jeff Peoples. “It hurts and it’s hard to talk about.” Peoples said.Many teachers around campus were very close to Bracamonte and share Mr. Peoples pain in mourning his death.“Indeed very sad to hear about the death of our beloved Sr. Jorge,” business teacher Dr. Conny Santa Cruz said in an email to the Samohi staff. “He will be deeply missed. It was always a joy to walk around campus only to see him waving his hand to me with a big smile, or have a short conversation ‘about life’ and at the end of the day hear him say ‘have a wonderful day Senora Santa Cruz, and drive safely on your way back home.’”Samo is currently collecting money to help pay for Jorge’s services and any donations should be sent to Caroline Springer, the the Senior Administrative Assistant. The school will also be sending a floral wreath to his services.Today, we remember a man whose work often went unnoticed by most students at Samo who continue obliviously littering. We are all deeply saddened and encourage everyone to keep Jorge and his family in their loving thoughts.