Samuel Keller

Sam was born in Washington, DC, to Scott and Gayla Keller (West) on August 24, 2005. He attended St. Louis Catholic School, Georgetown Preparatory High School and completed his sophomore year at The University of Louisville in Kentucky. Sam was a tremendous young man who at an early age overcame the loss of vision in one eye to become a multi-sport varsity athlete and served as captain of his wrestling team. He developed a deep passion for both 15’s and 7’s rugby early at Prep where he played as a flanker. Dedicating himself to his team and his sport, Sam served as varsity captain of the team and went on to play at the collegiate level for the Division 1-AA national champion University of Louisville Cardinals. In addition to his rigorous school and sports commitments, Sam loved spiritual and community service. He was an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at UofL. Prior to college, his love of history drove him to serve on the student advisory board for Mount Vernon Estate and ever mindful of the blessing of sight, Sam was a dedicated volunteer as a Sight Guide for Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind in Virginia since the age of thirteen.

Sam is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Ernest “Ernie” Keller of Longwood, Florida (April 2023).

Sam is survived by his loving parents Scott and Gayla Keller, sister, and best friend Ruth Keller, doting grandparents Kathleen Keller, Louis and Jean West, devoted aunts and uncles Heather and Phil Musser, Brook and Patrick McArthur, Heidi Keller and Kim Estlack, Robin and Jeff Ferris and Kristen and Chip Riggs as well as his adoring cousins Abby and Alex Musser, Grace and Grant McArthur, Michael Peraldo and Griffin Miller.

The visitation will be held at Demaine Funeral Home in Alexandria, Virginia on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

The Celebration of Life Mass and Reception will be held at Georgetown Preparatory School Friday, July 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM to be officiated by Father Van Dyke. He will lie in the chapel of Our Lady from 3:00pm to 4:30pm.

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Minister Mike Tune, retired pulpit minister for the Church of Christ in Falls Church will officiate a private burial service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to the Sam Keller Youth Rugby Foundation, a tax exempt organization committed to sharing Sam’s passion for rugby with kids across America (https://www.samkelleryouthrugby.org/)