Samuel Franklin Budnyk

Sam was born October 11, 1933, in Hammond, Indiana. The proud son of a Ukrainian immigrant, he grew up in a hardworking, integrated neighborhood that instilled in him values of fairness, discipline, and respect. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Hammond High School. Sam earned Indiana All-State Football Honors as a tight end and initially planned to attend the University of Michigan on a football scholarship.

On the very day he was to report to Michigan, he made a life-changing decision and enrolled at the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1955. Sam then joined the United States Marine Corps, determined to serve with “the best of the best.” During his three years of service, he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant and served as a company commander - a position he was quick to point out was “a captain’s B billet.” His Marine Corps experience instilled principles of discipline, leadership, and integrity.

In January of 1959, Sam enrolled in graduate school at Indiana University. That summer, while attending a friend’s wedding in West Palm Beach he received an opportunity that would define the rest of his career. Before returning to Indiana, a friend called to offer him a coaching position “in paradise” at St. Ann High School. Sam accepted and arrived in August. Because there was no football field, practices were held at Currie Park. He lived in a small apartment above the equipment room on St. Ann’s campus - a modest beginning for what would become one of Florida’s most distinguished coaching careers.

At an Air Force party held at Bradley Park in Palm Beach, Sam met the love of his life, Maurita Ross. They were married in February 1961 and built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Together they raised five children, which Sam proudly called “a full house, queens up.”

In 1961, Coach Budnyk became the first Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at the newly opened Cardinal Newman High School and began a remarkable career that would span decades and influence thousands of students and athletes. His accomplishments remain among the finest in Florida high school athletics.

As head football coach, he compiled a career record of 278 victories, 170 losses, and 4 ties, leading two undefeated 10-0 teams while capturing multiple District, Regional, Conference, and City Championships. His success extended well beyond football. He coached girls softball to an extraordinary 437-109 record, winning 3 State Championships, and earning numerous Regional, District, and Conference Championships. He also won many Conference titles coaching track and field, boys basketball, and boys golf.

Even more important to Coach Budnyk than victories were the lives he influenced. Over 150 football players earned NCAA Division I scholarships under his guidance. He expected excellence, discipline, and character from every athlete. Generations of former players credit him with preparing them not only for competition but for life.

As Athletic Director, he transformed Cardinal Newman’s athletic program into one of the state’s finest. The school was recognized as Florida’s Top Class 3A Athletic Program in 1984 and 1987, while consistently ranking among the state’s elite. Coach Budnyk was also a pioneer for equality and inclusion. In 1965, he hired the first Black assistant football coach at a Florida private school. In 1967, he became the first athletic director and football coach in Palm Beach County to schedule competition against the all-Black John F. Kennedy High School, breaking longstanding racial barriers in local athletics. In 1973, he was recognized by the National Organization for Women for allowing the first girl in Palm Beach County to compete in boys varsity track as girls track did not exist.

To thousands, he was simply “Coach.” His lessons extended far beyond the playing field. He believed in preparation, accountability, loyalty, and treating every individual with dignity. His players remember his demanding standards, his unmistakable wit, and the unwavering belief he placed in each of them.

Above all else, Sam was devoted to his family. He shared a remarkable love story with his wife of 65 years, Maurita, whose unwavering partnership and support were the foundation of a life well lived. Sam took immense pride in his children, thirteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He celebrated all of their accomplishments with genuine enthusiasm. His daily prayers were filled with petitions for their well-being and success. Sam was their most faithful supporter in all their endeavors, forever reminding them that anything is possible because “there are no dumb Budnyks!”

Sam’s greatest legacy is not only found in championship trophies and record books, but in the family he and Maurita nurtured, and the countless lives he has shaped by example. Samuel is predeceased by his mother, Frances; his father, Samuel; and his sister, Helen. He is survived by his wife, Maurita; his five children: Frances Farris (Patrick), Rita Budnyk (Marty Domenech), Sam Budnyk (Jill), Mike Budnyk (Eileen), and Laura Budnyk; thirteen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests donations be made in Sam’s honor to The Coach Sam Budnyk Scholarship Memorial Fund at Cardinal Newman High School. To donate, please contact Mary Martens, Director of Development, at 561-619-7280.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 25th at St. Clare Catholic Church, 821 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach. Following the Mass, there will be a celebration of life in the Parish Hall from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm.

There will be a Celebration of Life Honoring Coach Sam Budnyk at Cardinal Newman High School (512 Spencer Drive, WPB) on Friday, August 21st (4:00–6:00 pm Newman Café; Tribute on the Field 6:15 pm). Samuel F Budnyk