Sam was raised in Bolivar. He was formerly employed by Allegany Arc and the Rehabilitation Center in Allegany. He enjoyed camping, watching television, listening to his radio, and watching the local dirt track races.
He is survived by: his step-mother, Geraldine Wood of Bolivar; three brothers, Dale Wood of Texas, Merle Wood of Colorado, and Bruce (Amy) Wood of Iowa; a sister, Brenda (Roger) Olmstead of Olean; two step-brothers, Jim (Kathy) Smith of Tennessee, and David (Kathi) Smith of New Jersey; three step-sisters, Linda (Skip) Benjamin of Bolivar, Carol Perrin of Florida and Nancy Borrino of Webster; a special adoptive family, Frank White, Linda Jones, along with Frank’s children Tracy Beckman, Crissy (Eric Spangenberg) White, and Frank (April) White, and his caregiver, Ashley Prince. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by: a step brother, Tom Smith; and a special friend, Dawn White.
A celebration of life is being planned for at a later date. Burial will be in Maplelawn Cemetery in Bolivar. Please consider memorial donations to the Allegany–Steuben Arc. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.