Samuel Heitzman

CHARLESTON, SC - Samuel Hudson Heitzman Jr Known as Sam or Hud to most, passed away at the age of 88 in Charleston, SC surrounded by family on 1/26/2025.

Sam was married to his beloved wife and partner in marriage and life Irene Angi Heitzman on 12/27/1958 for 58 years.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents Samuel Hudson Heitzman and Charlotte Bowman Heitzman of Piqua, OH and his wife Irene Angi Heitzman.

Sam is survived by his brother Charles "Chuck" Heitzman, his children Jordan Heitzman and Darcy Heitzman Guthrie and her spouse William Christopher "Chris" Guthrie and triplet grandchildren Ethan, Charlotte, and William "Will" Guthrie. And many other family and friends.

Sam Graduated from Piqua High School in 1954, then went to The Ohio State University and graduated in 1958 on the Honor Roll with his bachelor's degree in business. He Married Irene later that year and they moved to California in 1959. Jordan was born later that year. In California he worked 3 jobs to support his family, His primary job was working for the California Division of Highways doing appraisals.

After about 3 years they moved back to Piqua, OH and Sam worked as a trust officer at The Third Savings and Loan where his father worked. While working there he completed his MBA from Miami University of Ohio.

Sam eventually accepted a job with The Merrill Anderson Company in 1970 and became their head of sales very quickly. He reluctantly and slowly retired in the early 2000's. The family moved several times over the years, back to California, back to Ohio, to Hilton Head Is., SC a few times and Stratford Connecticut. They moved to Charleston in early 2004 so that they could be a very welcome part of their grandchildren's lives as well as their children's lives.

Sam never knew a stranger because he would introduce himself to everyone he was in contact with and make them feel like they were important and always make them feel special, he was the most genuine and special person that they met wether they knew it or not. He was an amazing salesman because he took the time to get to know his customers and develop a personal relationship with many of them, and many of their friendships outlasted their business connections.

When Sam and Irene moved to Charleston, not only was he still working "part-time" and devoting time to the triplets, they became avid members of the Charleston Duplicate Bridge Club and achieved the level of gold life master's together. Sam loved spending time with the triplets as much as possible. We would take them to the park, he would always attend as many sporting or musical events as he could. He was so proud that all three of them graduated as Members of "The National Honor Society" from High School and went on to all complete their bachelor's Degrees, with plans to further their education. He was always so proud to talk about them.

A good friend of mine from college upon hearing of his passing sent me a passage that best defines his personality. The Totara tree native to New Zealand and can live for over 1000 years holds special meaning to the native Maori culture and is associated with strength, leadership and longevity. Sam had all of these qualities both in business, but in life also. He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting and/or knowing him.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in honor of Sam Heitzman to either The Charleston Bridge Center, 1740 Ashley Hall Rd., Charleston, SC 29407 or a donation in his honor to the American Red Cross for the victims of the California wildfires which are very close to where we lived and where he always wanted to return.