Sam died peacefully moments ago at his home in San Francisco, surrounded by people who love him. If you wish, you may leave a note here about Sam in the comments section, below.
Sam and I were neighbors, academic rivals and at times best friends in Delaware. I hadn't seen him since high school...more's the pity since we were within BART distance for the last 20 years. I would appreciate receiving word of any memorial services. Mike Litchfield
I am deeply saddened to learn of Sam's passing. He was a dear friend of my sister, Drene Del Carlo and myself. Sam was a kind and compassionate man and a wonderful person.
I am sending my condolences to Sam's family and friends and hope to be able to attend his services.
I met Sam just before Xmas in 1969 when we and three other U.S. Army privates reported for duty at NATO's military headquarters in Belgium. Over the next 18 months, the five of us developed a wonderful bond---perhaps not the stuff of "Band of Brothers" reserved for combatants, but real comraderie nonetheless. Even then, Sam was an urbane and cultured being, making the best of his draftee service by befriending soldiers from other NATO countries and traveling whenever a pass could be had. He served as a security guard for the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe (did you know that about him?).
After our discharge from the Army in mid-1971, the five privates scattered back to our respective universities and subsequent careers, eventually losing touch with one another. But through the wonders of Google search and email, we all reconnected several years ago. And, after about 35years of not seeing one another, I was able to join Sam and another of the privates for several dinners (and beers and remembrances)in San Francisco while I was in town on business, most recently in October.
Still, despite recent meetings, my sense of loss is for the 24-year old private--and I feel a part of me is gone with him. Hard for me to adquately explain.
There are certain kinds of friends who can so easily discuss all things, who feel utterly comfortable with each other, see one another's inner soul, and keep faith when things go wrong. Sam was such a terrific friend and neighbor, reliable and caring. During our 25 Year friendship we shared many wonderful moments. To him, distance meant nothing and his friendship had no boundaries. He helped me to walk many rocky roads and always showed the sunny side of life to me. I have many memories of Sam in my pocket which I treasure. I will miss Sam, though the many wonderful hours I was allowed to spend with him are embedded in my mind, my heart and my soul. Amongst many things, I’m missing his cheerful greeting: Good Day!
While I listened to “Le nozze di Figaro” I had to think about the time he cared for my canary “Figaro” who was singing loudly along with all the Operas and how Sam had enjoyed the new experience.
The day was clear and sunny after a long spell of rain. I can hear Sam say: there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. Smacker, his “adopted” cat raked himself on the terrace. The few daring flowers were stretching their heads toward the sun. It was an absolute gorgeous day. Late in the night, the warm glow of the full moon lightened Sam’s path to guide him to pamper a new peaceful garden, his most beloved hobby. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you, dear Elaine and David as well as to all of the family. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful and joyful times through your and his friends memories and bring you comfort. Sam definitely left footprints in many people’s life. My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I would feel privileged to attend his memorial service. Gabrielle
I am very saddened to learn of Sam's death. Sam and I were classmates at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and one of my genuine friends there. We both chose San Francisco as the city where we wanted to live and work. I would see him occasionally at opening night of the ballet season and around the Castro but didn't connect that often. I remember receiving a Thank You card from him when I congratulated him on one of his professional achievements and it was signed "Your Friend, Sam" Those three words will always remain with me. Rest in Peace, Buddy. Tom Mizianty M.D. Jefferson Class of '75
I am terribly saddened to hear that Sam passed away. I met Sam during my residency at New York University. It was either 1976 or 1977. Right then, I realized that he was a phenomenal doc and he became a dear friend.
Later on, He decided to work with Dr Sol Schneider. It was a big decision. He moved away from his family and many friends and started a professional life as a researcher in a University setting. He did excel and boy how. Not only he cared for very sick people at all hours, he also became and authority in his chosen field of obstetrical anesthesia and a terrific teacher. He stood for what he believed. I guess one of his finest hours was during an Annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The HIV epidemic raged on. In front of the top 500 anesthesiologists, Sam stood up and advocated fair treatment for both HIV positive patients and physicians. It was not a friendly crowd, believe me that took some courage. He was determined and persuasive. He prevailed. Over a period of time, the specialty and the general public came to share his view. He wrote extensively. I could never figure when he found the time. He loved good food. A bottle of good wine will bring a nice sparkle on his eyes and a big smile. He enjoyed all the good things in life. I remember a cruise in the Caribbean. Many fond memories there. Sadly, I lost touch the last few years. I wish he had met my son. Early on, he told me not to enroll him in a “ridiculously expensive private school”. I always appreciated and followed his advice.
I am another of the Army privates who served with Sam. At completion of military police school, we shared the apprehension about possibly being sent to Vietnam (95% of our fellow soldiers got that assignment) and our great relief at being assigned to be Cold War soldiers at NATO headquarters in Belgium. It was my great privilege to be his friend. We were there with him to help celebrate his admission to Medical school at the enlisted men's club. That was a night to remember. I'm not surprised that his medical career was extremely distinguished.
Though his life was far too short, Sam packed a lot of living into his time with us. I will remember him and miss him.
9 comments:
Sam and I were neighbors, academic rivals and at times best friends in Delaware. I hadn't seen him since high school...more's the pity since we were within BART distance for the last 20 years. I would appreciate receiving word of any memorial services.
Mike Litchfield
Extending my sympathies from South Africa to all of Sam’s family and friends.
I am deeply saddened to learn of Sam's passing. He was a dear friend of my sister, Drene Del Carlo and myself. Sam was a kind and compassionate man and a wonderful person.
I am sending my condolences to Sam's family and friends and hope to be able to attend his services.
Louise Del Carlo
Sam will always be in my thoughts and pleasant memories of SFGH. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. Valerie Perring
I met Sam just before Xmas in 1969 when we and three other U.S. Army privates reported for duty at NATO's military headquarters in Belgium. Over the next 18 months, the five of us developed a wonderful bond---perhaps not the stuff of "Band of Brothers" reserved for combatants, but real comraderie nonetheless. Even then, Sam was an urbane and cultured being, making the best of his draftee service by befriending soldiers from other NATO countries and traveling whenever a pass could be had. He served as a security guard for the Supreme Allied Commander of Europe (did you know that about him?).
After our discharge from the Army in mid-1971, the five privates scattered back to our respective universities and subsequent careers, eventually losing touch with one another. But through the wonders of Google search and email, we all reconnected several years ago. And, after about 35years of not seeing one another, I was able to join Sam and another of the privates for several dinners (and beers and remembrances)in San Francisco while I was in town on business, most recently in October.
Still, despite recent meetings, my sense of loss is for the 24-year old private--and I feel a part of me is gone with him. Hard for me to adquately explain.
Bob Hamilton
There are certain kinds of friends who can so easily discuss all things, who feel utterly comfortable with each other, see one another's inner soul, and keep faith when things go wrong.
Sam was such a terrific friend and neighbor, reliable and caring. During our 25 Year friendship we shared many wonderful moments. To him, distance meant nothing and his friendship had no boundaries.
He helped me to walk many rocky roads and always showed the sunny side of life to me. I have many memories of Sam in my pocket which I treasure. I will miss Sam, though the many wonderful hours I was allowed to spend with him are embedded in my mind, my heart and my soul. Amongst many things, I’m missing his cheerful greeting: Good Day!
While I listened to “Le nozze di Figaro” I had to think about the time he cared for my canary “Figaro” who was singing loudly along with all the Operas and how Sam had enjoyed the new experience.
The day was clear and sunny after a long spell of rain. I can hear Sam say: there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. Smacker, his “adopted” cat raked himself on the terrace. The few daring flowers were stretching their heads toward the sun. It was an absolute gorgeous day. Late in the night, the warm glow of the full moon lightened Sam’s path to guide him to pamper a new peaceful garden, his most beloved hobby.
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you, dear Elaine and David as well as to all of the family.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful and joyful times through your and his friends memories and bring you comfort. Sam definitely left footprints in many people’s life.
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
I would feel privileged to attend his memorial service.
Gabrielle
I am very saddened to learn of Sam's death. Sam and I were classmates at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and one of my genuine friends there. We both chose San Francisco as the city where we wanted to live and work. I would see him occasionally at opening night of the ballet season and around the Castro but didn't connect that often. I remember receiving a Thank You card from him when I congratulated him on one of his professional achievements and it was signed "Your Friend, Sam" Those three words will always remain with me. Rest in Peace, Buddy.
Tom Mizianty M.D. Jefferson Class of '75
I am terribly saddened to hear that Sam passed away. I met Sam during my residency at New York University. It was either 1976 or 1977. Right then, I realized that he was a phenomenal doc and he became a dear friend.
Later on, He decided to work with Dr Sol Schneider. It was a big decision. He moved away from his family and many friends and started a professional life as a researcher in a University setting.
He did excel and boy how. Not only he cared for very sick people at all hours, he also became and authority in his chosen field of obstetrical anesthesia and a terrific teacher.
He stood for what he believed. I guess one of his finest hours was during an Annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The HIV epidemic raged on. In front of the top 500 anesthesiologists, Sam stood up and advocated fair treatment for both HIV positive patients and physicians. It was not a friendly crowd, believe me that took some courage. He was determined and persuasive. He prevailed. Over a period of time, the specialty and the general public came to share his view.
He wrote extensively. I could never figure when he found the time. He loved good food. A bottle of good wine will bring a nice sparkle on his eyes and a big smile. He enjoyed all the good things in life. I remember a cruise in the Caribbean. Many fond memories there. Sadly, I lost touch the last few years. I wish he had met my son. Early on, he told me not to enroll him in a “ridiculously expensive private school”. I always appreciated and followed his advice.
I will truly miss him.
Fernando G. Resano, MD
Washington, DC.
I am another of the Army privates who served with Sam. At completion of military police school, we shared the apprehension about possibly being sent to Vietnam (95% of our fellow soldiers got that assignment) and our great relief at being assigned to be Cold War soldiers at NATO headquarters in Belgium. It was my great privilege to be his friend. We were there with him to help celebrate his admission to Medical school at the enlisted men's club. That was a night to remember. I'm not surprised that his medical career was extremely distinguished.
Though his life was far too short, Sam packed a lot of living into his time with us. I will remember him and miss him.
Ray Hintze
Post a Comment