Samuel Stephen McBride

Samuel Stephen McBride

LAKELAND, FL: Samuel Stephen McBride, 84, of Lakeland, FL., peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2013, of a cerebral aneurysm.

He was born June 14, 1929, in New Castle to the late Charles Edward and Grace Elizabeth McBride.

He graduated from North Beaver Township High School in June 1946 and shortly after enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Okinawa, Japan.

In 1950, he married Mary Ellen Wise of New Castle, PA and moved to Ohio and later Massachusetts, where they raised four children. In 1970, they moved to Mansfield, Ohio and purchased the 42 motel, which they managed together. They were married for 38 years when Mary Ellen passed away on July 22, 1989.

He graduated from Geneva College in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in business management. His occupation was as a certified accountant until his retirement in 1989.

He married Ruth Gilkey in 1990. They lived in Mansfield, Ohio, and Plant City, FL., until their move to The Estates at Carpenter in July 2012. She preceded him in death on September 4th, 2013.

He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Lamar) Deitrich, Elaine (Bob) Searer and Cindy Fedai; five grandchildren, Karen and Linda Searer, Alex Fedai, Vincent and Aeriel McBride. stepchildren, Deborah (William) Revett, Brian (Valarie) Gilkey, Martha (John) Lisinski and Dennis (Sherry) Gilkey; his sister, Mary Williams and Ethel McConnell; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, William McBride; grand-daughter, Jennifer Deitrich and stepson, William Gilkey.

Sam had many interests including fishing, boating, camping, swimming, walking, travel and singing in the choir at various churches over the years. He also remained active in the community in which he lived and worked.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, October 1 in Lakeland, Florida.

A second memorial service will be held in Mentor, Ohio on Saturday, October 5 at 2 pm at Mentor Baptist Church 7500 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. The service will be conducted by retired Navy Chaplain Duane Herron and Pastor Landrum.