Sam, a longtime resident of Wallingford, Pa., died Oct. 19, 2007, in Maryland. He was 84. Born in St. Louis, he chose Princeton over Penn and Harvard because we offered the best scholarship, but he forever loved us. He majored in politics, played intramural sports, joined Orange Key, and was president of Prospect Club. His roommates included Sid Howell and Bob Wood. Sam graduated in 1944, served briefly as a military train escort, and began his career with the Pennsylvania Railroad. He continued to work for its successors, Penn Central and Conrail, before retiring as director of personnel and labor relations. "His life was about people, not things," wrote a daughter. "His particular gift was setting examples for others," added his son. Sam once stood in front of a house in a blue-collar Philadelphia suburb to ensure that, for the first time, an African-American could live in it, and he was stoned as a result. He enjoyed baseball (following first the Cards, then the Phillies), body surfing in the ocean, and defending the rights of the individual. Sam's wife, Ann, whom he cherished, died 20 years ago. One son, Samuel Jr. also predeceased him. Survivors include his son, Bruce; daughters Tina Hammond, Suzanne Hetzel, and Edith; six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. We, too, honor his spirit.
Undergraduate Class of 1944