Samuel L. Upton

Upton, Samuel L.
Nov. 12, 1923 - Nov. 22, 2015
Sam was born to Samuel George and Edna McNab Upton in Byesville OH, and he grew up in Cambridge, OH. He joined the Army and served with the Army air force during WWII. His mechanical skills were rapidly recognized and he was sent to the West Coast to repair airplanes and later to retrofit them with appropriate propellers. He married Virginia McCracken and had four children: Marcia (McFarland), Rockford Louis (Rocky), Samuel David, and Bridget Marie. In addition to his children, he leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He also leaves his wife, Marlies Gluck-Upton and two stepchildren. Sam moved to Florida in 1951, and left his mark on Sarasota, by building shopping centers and houses as well as working as a chief Building Inspector for the city. In his retirement he worked on building airplanes and antique cars from genuine parts. Sam was a Mason and a Shriner, and the flight director of the original Flying fezzes who flew children in private aircraft, to the Greenfield, SC and Cincinnati, OH Shrine Hospitals. He was a member of The Antique Automobile Club of America, Masonic Lodge #147 for over 55 years, Scottish Rite over 50 years, Sahib Shriners, over 55 years and The Quiet Berdmin. Sam was an extraordinary man and he was the go-to person for those with similar interests. He attracted legions of friends. Funeral will be on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 12:30 PM at Jennings Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sarasota National Cemetery.