O. Samuel "Sam" Zeisloft

On March 10, 2025, O. Samuel Zeisloft (Sam) of McMurray, PA, passed on to his heavenly Father leaving his wife, Ruth Bovaird Zeisloft, three sons, and twelve grandchildren. The son of Oliver Samuel Zeisloft and Ruth Smith Zeisloft, Sam was born on January 24, 1938, and grew up in Big Stone Gap, VA, and Hazleton, PA. He has lived in Philadelphia, Narberth, King of Prussia, and Millcreek Township (Erie), PA, where he put down roots for fifty years.
Upon graduating from Hazelton High School (1956) and Saint Joseph's College (1970), Sam entered a lifetime career in purchasing management, quality control, and contract law. He held positions in General Electric Aerospace in Philadelphia, GE Locomotive, Hammermill Paper, and International Paper in Erie. He worked with major capital equipment purchasing and strategic planning programs, winning the Lyle Treadway Award for a Purchasing Professional from the National Association of Purchasing Managers.
Sam was involved in many charitable organizations. He was a regional vice president with the Presque Isle Jaycees, chairing the Haunted House and Cystic Fibrosis Children's Christmas Parties and being selected as a JCI Senator, a lifetime appointment. He also served as a board member for the SEEM Center, JOEL II, and GECAC. Following his passion for national, state, and local politics, he became the chairman of the Erie County Republican Party in 1978, successfully campaigning for Ronald Reagan, Tom Ridge, Rick Santorum, and Karl Boyes, among other Republican candidates. Sam received the North Award for Outstanding Erie County Republican.
As a devout follower of his savior, Jesus, Sam was a member and lay leader of Trinity United Methodist Church. He lived out his faith as the chairman of the Christian Coalition of Pennsylvania and by working for decades with Koinonia and People for Life in Erie. Sam also spent years as his sons' EYSA soccer coach and as the president of the Millcreek Soccer Boosters. In his free time Sam enjoyed gardening, cooking, and fishing with his sons and grandchildren.
In addition to his beloved wife of 63 years, Ruth, Sam leaves sons Eric (Roxanne) of McMurray, PA, Pastor Marc (Michelle) of Lebanon, PA, and Pastor Brian (Penny) of Mount Pleasant, PA. His grandchildren and great joys are Benjamin (Neilee), Rebekah, Abigail, Joshua, Elijah, Dietrich, Micah, Rachel, Ella, Elizabeth, Samuel, and Sarah.
A viewing for Sam will be held Friday, March 14, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Beinhauer Funeral Home in McMurray, PA. A private service will be held at Beinhauer Saturday morning. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Koinonia of Erie County PA, P.O. Box 9575, Erie, PA 16505-8575 or People for Life Erie, PO Box 1126, Erie, PA 16512.