Sam was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Philadelphia where his family owned a Jewish bakery. He graduated from Overbrook High School and served in the Air Force as a radio operator during the Korean War. In 1954, he married Rodelle Rosenthal, settled in Virginia, and started his career as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controller in Leesburg, Virginia. He was later promoted to a manager. They adopted three boys, Harris (deceased 1985), Rick, and Barry. He transferred to FAA Headquarters in Washington, DC, in 1969 where he met Linda. Rodelle passed away in 1988. Sam married Linda in 1989, then moved to Maryland. He retired after 37 years of service.
Sam loved sports, shopping, reading, cooking, being outdoors, the beach, and traveling. Most of his retirement years were spent traveling around the world, which included 44 cruises. He also loved driving, especially his class-A motor home. He drove in every state except Hawaii.
Sam's altruistic nature, wholeheartedness, and terrific sense of humor masked his underlying health struggles. Sam's positive demeanor and strong will allowed him to pursue some of his favorite activities despite his continuous medical setbacks.
Sam was one of ten children from Bertha and Harry Rosenzweig. He is survived by his wife, Linda, of nearly 30 years; sister, Betsy Cohen (Florida); brothers, Norman (Baltimore) and Robert (Philadelphia); sons, Rick and Barry (Virginia); grandchildren, Ella and Roman (Virginia); and an abundance of relatives and friends.
