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Samuel Yu Obituary
Sam and his family moved to Frederick in the late 50's when his father accepted a position as Professor of Astronomy at Hood College. Sam attended Thomas Johnson High Class of 1969 and from there went to Rochester University. After college, Sam returned home and accepted a position as news photographer with The Frederick News-Post. Sam always enjoyed photography and this seemed a perfect fit. After a few years, Sam became Chief Photographer and head of the photo dept.
Sam was a quiet and unassuming man who spoke eloquently through his photos. His career spanned 38 years and gave him the opportunity to photograph presidents, celebrities, the local political scene, sporting events, and the people of Frederick County at work and at play.
After so many years on the job, it was not uncommon for people to come up to Sam and say to him, aren't you Sam Yu? You took my picture years ago at a sporting event, or you photographed me with my prize animal at the fair etc. Sam loved these encounters. The volume of Sams work chronicles an exciting time in Frederick history, beginning in the 70's when Frederick was still a farming community to its current status as vibrant, sophisticated city. What a transformation and he covered it all,
Farewell Sam, we know wherever you are you have a camera in your hands.
Sam is survived by his wife Sherry Johnson, stepson Mason Johnson, sister Leslie Yu.
Visitation will be Monday September 26 from 4 to 6 pm at Keeney Basford Funeral Home, Frederick, Md. Burial arrangements will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Yu
Sponsored by Keeney & Basford Funeral Homes, P.A..
Matt Neufeld
September 17, 2023
Frederick lost a true creative visionary, talented photographer and journalist and hometown hero with the death of Sam Yu. He was a great photographer, journalist and community hero.
Thanks for everything, Sam!
Paul Thomas
November 20, 2022
Sammy and I went to Church together, as I don't get the paper anymore, a lot gets by me, I am so sorry to read of Sammys passing , he like me was quiet and stayed to himself, I always thought a lot of him, a true gentleman, so sorry to the family.
Butch Eader
September 27, 2022
I met Sam on our first day of first grade @ North Frederick, we made fast friends and were in the same class for the next six years. Many playdates, although we didn´t know that term then, for many years. Sam´s parents were so gracious. We continued sharing most classes @ Elm Street and TJ.
Sam is one of the most intelligent individuals I have ever met. He was also one of the most inquisitive as well. He didn´t miss much and was always seeking knowledge and rationality.
But most of all I will always remember Sam as just a really good guy with the most subtle sense of humor I have ever encountered. Those of us that spent time with Sam were the lucky ones. Thanks Sam, rest peacefully.
chris ligocki
September 26, 2022
i remember sam he was a great guy always visable always out there he is what a american citizen should be what a news paper reporter should be i was proud to know him
Lee Trunnell
September 26, 2022
When we moved to Clarksburg in 1979 and started taking the FNP not a day went by that we didn't see a photo, and, in many cases, more than one, credited to Sam Yu. The people we met in our new hometown who had been taking the paper in the years before we got there would always ask us did you see the latest photos from Sam and, of course, we would say yes. After all his years at the FNP, one could call Sam a legend. The FNP was lucky to have Sam for all those years and their readers were lucky as well. Best wishes to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years.
Sue Hecht
September 26, 2022
Sam Yu has left a wonderful legacy for Frederick to remember him by. As former Heartly House CEO and MD legislator, I had many Sam memories. I remember he took a picture of President Clinton and me at an historic 2002 Gun Safety bill signing in the MD State House.. one of many pictures he took wearing his signature vest. Sam was always calm and professional. We are fortunate to have his photo legacy live on.
Lisa Shereika
September 24, 2022
Sorry for your loss. Sam photographed my mother and I when she was about 83 years old. A very nice man and good photographer. I always enjoyed seeing his pictures in the Frederick News Post
Ginnie Sulcer
September 24, 2022
Aw Sherry, I'm thinking of you. I am so surprised and sorry to hear of the passing of Sammy. Ginnie
Cathy O’Hara-Hatfield
September 24, 2022
Sherry-I remember when you and Sam got married. Jack Hatfield ( my husband); babysat for Mason. He enjoyed being with our sons-Sean and Adam. I’m very sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to seeing Sam’s photos in the paper.
Susan Sherald Harding
September 24, 2022
I graduated with Sam in 1969. I remember him as one of the most intelligent people I´ve ever known as well as very kind. My condolences to Sherry and family. I´m sure Sam´s many beautiful pictures will be a source of comfort and joy to many.
Debbie Baker
September 24, 2022
When Tom Clark wasn't able to do my wedding, he recommended "the only other man for the job" - Sam. Sam made a story out of every photograph whether the event was world news-worthy or just a local wedding. He was an unassuming, gentle man whom I will greatly miss. My love and condolences go to his family.
Carroll Kehne, Jr.
September 23, 2022
Sam was a student at GTJHS while I was teaching art from 1966-72. I only wished we had a photography course in art, that is now in the curriculum. He would have been outstanding to have. His work always reflected a sense of humanity that everyone loved. He will be missed. God bless his family.
Roxanne Morris
September 23, 2022
I would like to thank him. Taking some great pictures of my son Terence Morris. Thank you Sam. You will truly be missed
Matt Neufeld
September 23, 2022
I started my career as a journalist at The Frederick News-Post, and I was honored to work alongside Sam Yu for a few years in the early 1980s. Sam was also a neighbor of mine in the Spring Valley/North End area of Frederick. He also was a fellow T.J. graduate. Sam was a vital, important, well-loved and historic part of Frederick's history, as he chronicled so much of Frederick with his always-excellent, talented photography. He was also just the nicest guy. I'm proud to say that I worked alongside Sam at the News-Post and that he was a neighbor, also! Sam will be missed, of course, but he'll always be remembered. He was hard-working, caring, nice, kind, creative, talented and simply an excellent photographer and journalist. His legacy will live on for the ages in his great, excellent, memorable work in photography, newspapers and journalism. Sincere sympathies and condolences to his family and to the entire Frederick community. Thanks for all that you did for so many for so many years, Sam! --Matty Neufeld.
Donna Fogle
September 23, 2022
Prayers to the family and friends. I remember Sam from the days working at the Frederick News-post as a district manager. Sam was one of a gem of a photographer he knew how to catch the shot . RIP Sam
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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Visitation
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