Samuel Peter Newell

Samuel Peter Newell, age 79, died peacefully in his home in Alpharetta, Georgia on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 following a long illness. Sam was born on September 5, 1935 in Wilmington, Delaware to Joseph Francis and Mary Hackendorn Newell. He married Sari “Sally” Nebergall on May 13, 1961. He is survived by his adoring children; Pamela Newell (Tom) McKinstry of Atlanta, their children, Samuel, Megan and Thomas; Amy Newell (James) Murphy of Dublin, Ireland, and daughters Delia and Maeve O’Malley, as well as stepson Patrick Murphy; Gregory (Janet) Newell of Greensboro, NC, their daughters, Hannah, Olivia and Sarah; John (Lainey) Newell of Grant, FL, their daughters Mackenzie, Peyton and Hallie. He also is survived by his only sister Margaret Mary Newell (Vince) Gulotti, and their four children. Sam attended Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE and subsequently graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. He had a 35-year career with the IRS. He and Sally moved to Greensboro, NC in 1972 where they raised their family. He was a founding member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Always a devout Catholic, Sam claimed his faith is what saw him through his 14-year journey following esophageal cancer. His sense of humor, well-timed sarcasm, and wry wit will be missed as much as his compassion and love. He had an affinity for classic cars, premium cable TV, his leather chair, Sudoku, spider solitaire, buffet lines, and a well-designed parking plan. Most of all though, he had a gift for making connections with people, whether it be his favorite bank teller, the receptionist at the YMCA, or the waitress at their favorite restaurant. Sam had a gift of making people feel valued and happy. He was an amazing father and an even better grandfather, making an effort to spend time with each grandchild at the annual Newell family beach trip. We would like to thank his pulmonologist, Dr. Alexander Truong, and his entire staff for their compassion and diligence and for the excellent care and attention they provided our father. Sam’s funeral mass will be held on Saturday, April 18 at 11:00 AM in the St. Brigid Catholic Church Chapel, 3400 Old Alabama Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30022. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Franciscan Prayer Center, 477 Grogan Road Stoneville, NC 27048 or Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Rd, NW Atlanta, GA 30327.