Richard "Dick" Sameth

Richard "Dick" Sameth, age 88, of Mantoloking, New Jersey, and Vero Beach, Florida, passed away surrounded by family on August 10th in Vero Beach.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Bell, her husband Bob, and their children Madeleine, Audrey, and Brandon; his son, Jeff Sameth, and his daughter Christina; and his daughter, Jill Smith, her husband Eric, and their children Gemma and Ryan. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Sameth, and his wife Susan; and his sister, Jeanne Burke, and her husband Ed. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Pauline "Polly" Sameth, and their son, John.
Dick was raised in Short Hills, New Jersey, by his parents, J. Edwin and Gertrude Sameth. He graduated from Millburn High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Zoology from Dartmouth College in 1959. He remained an active alumnus for many years and maintained strong ties with the Dartmouth community.
He devoted 50 years to the family business, Western Pest Services, and was a major contributor to the pest industry. He served as President of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), and he was honored with induction into the NPMA Hall of Fame, Class of 2016.
Dick's commitment to community service was a constant throughout his life. While he and Polly raised their family in Westfield, New Jersey, he served as President of the United Way and the YMCA. They also enjoyed spending time at Echo Lake Country Club. After moving to Mantoloking, he devoted time to the Mantoloking Town Council and Planning Board, Trust for Public Lands, Pt. Pleasant Beach Public Education Foundation, Bay Head Historical Society and served as Trustees of Save Barnegat Bay and St. Simon-by-the-Sea Church. Dick served as Commodore of Mantoloking Yacht Club and also enjoyed time at Bay Head Yacht Club and Manasquan River Golf Club. In the cold of winter, Dick and Polly retreated to Vero Beach where they enjoyed many years with friends. During this time, Dick was involved with the Moorings Club and was also Commodore of the Moorings Yacht Club. They also enjoyed time at Quail Valley Club. Dick dedicated his time and energy as a trustee of the St. Edward's School, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.
Dick had a lifelong love of the water. Whether sailing in regattas, enjoying raft-ups with friends, or exploring the Intracoastal Waterway, he was always happiest on a boat. He cherished time with his family, supported his community, and made lasting friendships everywhere he lived. His smile and quick wit was infectious.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 24th 1pm at St. Simon-by-the-Sea Church, 1324 Ocean Avenue, Mantoloking, New Jersey. A light repast will follow at Bay Head Yacht Club, 111 Metcalfe Street, Bay Head, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dick's name to:
St. Simon by-the-Sea Church at 1324 Ocean Ave, Mantoloking, NJ 08738 https://www.stsimonbytheseamantoloking.org/support-us
If you have any questions, please email simon08738@gmail.com
Or
VNA & Hospice Foundation at 920 37th Pl. Ste. 101 Vero Beach, FL 32960
Or https://foundation.vnatc.com/memorials-and-honorariums/
If you have any questions, please call 772-978-5580
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.