Sam Schatten ’74

Sam Schatten was taken from us Sept. 27, 2008. Sam loved sports, partying, and lively discussions. He was a lifelong supporter of The Daily Princetonian.

Sam was dancing at a bar mitzvah in late 2005 when he suffered cardiac arrest and was found to have a pulmonary artery sarcoma. Over the next three years he underwent four open-heart procedures, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy but never lost his optimism, energy, or love of life. When faced with barriers to what he felt was the correct plan of care, he was able to “convince” (argue into submission) insurance companies and other doctors to proceed. He was to receive an artificial heart, but never did.

It was Sam’s heart that made him different and special. He tirelessly gave of himself to his family, his Jewish faith, and his rheumatology patients. He changed his medical practice to part time so he could serve as president of his synagogue. After his cardiac arrest, he and his wife, Janet, established the CLEAR coalition to promote teaching CPR and placing defibrillators in schools.  

Sam’s greatest joy and sense of pride came from his family. The class sends its sincerest condolences to Janet and their sons Jeff, Alan, Todd, and Michael.