John M. Samuels Jr.

John M. Samuels Jr., 82, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida, surrounded by his beloved family. A first-generation American born in Trenton, New Jersey, to Romanian immigrants Lydia and John Samuels, John lived an extraordinary life marked by unwavering determination, unconditional love, and service to others.

John grew up in Yardley, Pennsylvania, as the youngest of four children, cherishing his relationships with his three older sisters Dorothy (Dot), Florence (Sam), and Winifred (Winnie). After graduating from Pennsbury High School in 1961, he attended General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) through its engineering co-op program, alternating between academic studies and hands-on experience at GM's Trenton plant. He continued his education at Pennsylvania State University, earning an MS and PhD in industrial and manufacturing engineering.

During graduate school, John met Leslie (Lil) Charlene Ruth, whom he married in 1968. In 1975, they welcomed their son, John Michael Samuels III, during a Central Pennsylvania snowstorm. Never has a father been prouder of his boy or the man he would become.

John's distinguished career in railroad engineering spanned decades and transformed an entire industry. Beginning as a tenured professor of engineering at Penn State, he transitioned to Conrail, where he served as Vice President of Operating Assets and played a pivotal role in turning the bankrupt freight railroad into a publicly traded success story. In 1998, he joined Norfolk Southern Railroad, rising to Senior Vice President of Operations Planning and Support. His groundbreaking work in railroad safety, technology, and positive train control systems earned him numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the prestigious National Academy of Engineering and an honorary doctorate from Kettering University.

Despite his demanding career, John never missed an opportunity to coach his son's soccer, basketball, and baseball teams. Family fishing trips to Barnegat Light sparked a lifelong passion for sportfishing, which he shared with his son and later pursued competitively with the West Palm Beach Fishing Club, where he was a proud lifetime member.

In 2006, John and Leslie retired to Palm Beach Gardens, where he continued consulting through his business, Revenue Variable Engineering. His love for sportfishing flourished as he captained the Princess Lily, winning the prestigious Tracy Schneider Memorial Trophy in 2009 for most sailfish releases and leading TEAM Lily to numerous tournament victories throughout Florida and the Caribbean. After Leslie's passing in 2020 following 52 years of marriage, John found love again with Davideen Werner. Together, they traveled extensively, from the Caribbean to the rocky coasts of Maine, Europe, and Alaska. He also fell in love with the people, untouched beauty, and fishing he found in the Dominican Republic, where he made friends that he considered to be family, and they felt the same way.

In July 2024, John was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. True to his character, he fought courageously, never giving up even when faced with a difficult prognosis. Everyone who loved him jumped into the fight alongside him, and John proved the doctors wrong by living well beyond their predictions. He continued serving on national railroad safety committees and attending social gatherings, living each day to its fullest. There was simply no "give up" in this man.

John is survived by his son John Michael Samuels III and daughter-in-law Dawn, his companion Davideen Werner, sisters Florence Leipholtz and Winifred Lynn, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces. He will be remembered for his remarkable spirit, hysterical stories, mentorship of countless individuals, and unwavering commitment to safety in the railroad industry.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation or The Billfish Foundation in John's honor.