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Samuel Fields Obituary
Samuel Fields was a man of simple tastes. He loved Motown and the Beatles. He loved singing in the choir in the House of God Holy Church in Harlem, and he was thrilled to play bongos there. He also served as a church deacon, helping usher the elderly to seats.
Mr. Fields, 36, loved sports. He loved watching the Yankees on television, and the Mets, too. He often played basketball with his kids in the court just outside their apartment in the Martin Luther King Jr. Towers on 114th Street.
He also loved strolling around downtown with his wife of 10 years, Angela. Sometimes he showed her around the World Trade Center, where he worked as a $22,000-a-year security guard. "He was last seen on the first floor in the North Tower helping people get out of the building," she said.
He left four children: Samuel Jr., 11; Stefan, 7; Demetrius, 5; and Sharaia, 3. Last summer Mr. Fields learned that his wife was expecting a fifth child this March. "He was at first worried that we didn't have enough money," Mrs. Fields said. "I told him God would make a way for us, and he accepted it."
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Jessica E
September 19, 2021
Thinking of your family on this somber 20th anniversary! Rest in Peace. You are not forgotten!
Cindy Roe
September 12, 2021
Remembering Samuel on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Jessica E.
September 11, 2020
God bless your family. Rest in Heaven!
Jessica Evans
September 11, 2019
Thinking of your loved ones on this day. You are not forgotten! RIP
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Luke L
September 9, 2019
I am a student from Shanley high school and I researched about Mr.fields. I really think that he was a hero in my eyes he stayed and helped the first responders that is a heroic act.
A.L.
July 18, 2019
My prayers go out to the fields family whose lives are forever changed by this sad event. And it breaks my heart that his kids lost a father figure.
Tom
September 11, 2018
Today, 09/11/2018, we remember you Samuel. We will never forget. Wishing all the best to your family and friends. Much regards.
Alyssa Gray
September 18, 2017
You will be missed<3 Love HCS
Samuel Fields birthday rose 2016
Marci Leifson
September 10, 2016
A birthday rose 2016
Marci Leifson
September 10, 2016
Jessica Evans
September 8, 2015
Still thinking of your family! Rest in Peace
Sadè Graham
September 16, 2013
Sam we all miss you the whole house of God n your family this Lady Graham's grand daughter Sade.I remember you wife and the kids all round up for sabbath. And you guys telling me and jr to stop talking during the service...All the church trips, song laughs good times I was young but I still n do remember. I miss u we all miss and your family
SIP
Jessica E.
September 16, 2012
Thinking of the family & friends. I found out about Mr. Fields through the Remember Me Virtual Event on Facebook. To the family & friends: We REMEMBER your loved one. God Bless
September 11, 2012
Sam, not only today but everyday. I am always thinking of you. I luv u and miss u sooo much. I know u is in heaven smiling down upon us. Please give mom and sis carol my love and tell them that im missing them too!
Dorothy
September 11, 2012
Thinking of you and your family "Smiley". God Bless you all.
September 11, 2011
Sam,
Thinking of you and all my friends that were lost at the WTC 10 years ago today. You all are not forgotten. God bless you in heaven.
Patricia Rasmussen, New York
Nguyen
September 11, 2011
Rest in Peace.
Felicia Fields
September 11, 2011
Sam we love and miss u. 10yrs has gone by so quickly but your memory will last forever in my heart
Dorothy Cochin
September 11, 2011
It has been 10 years since that horrible day. You and your family are in our thoughts and hearts forever. You have permanent spot in my heart "Smiley".
Laurie Spencer
September 4, 2011
As the tenth anniversary approaches, this gentlemen is one of the memories of my life at the WTC that comes to mind.
I did not know Sam Fields's name or that he had died on 9/11 until several months after the attacks when I saw his photo and name on a fundraiser flyer.
Sam was usually the security guard at the West Street entrance, where I went out to smoke. He would gently admonish me that I should give up the habit, but always with a smile. I'd also see him in the mornings if I used that entrance and when coming back in from lunch. This man was just one of those rare individuals who shone with the light of life and was pleasant all the time.
Ten year later, as I think back to a place and time that no longer exists, I am reminded that no tragedy or passing of time can erase a spirit. Mr. Fields lives on in our memories, and, I believe, in a place beyond human suffering.
Rest in Peace.
Ethan Gordon
July 11, 2011
You were the first person that I saw in the morning that had a smile on his face no matter what kind of day it was. You were a pleasure to see every morning. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Velma Purnell
May 2, 2011
Dear Sam,
I waited for this day to come. It has finally come. This morning I received the news that justice has been served. I know this news will never bring you home again to your wife, children, beloved sister and the rest of your love ones, but today the one responsible for the lost of you and so many others has been served. Go now good friend and Forever MAY YOU ALL REST IN PEACE!
Your Friend who will never 4get,
Velma Purnell
Lyn Banghart
December 29, 2007
I'm writing again because every so often I visit this site. I'm the one who wrote on 9/11/02 after singing the Mozart Requiem and wearing a badge that had Samuel's name on it. I still think of him because it's the only personal contact I have with that horrible day. I hope you, his family and friends, have found peace and love in his memory.
Velma Purnell
September 11, 2007
September 11th 2007
To the Fields family. Time moves on, but I will never forget Samuel Fields. The joy in his eyes when he spoke of his wife, children and sister Felicia. My prayers are with all of you. I dreamed of Sam a few months back. He had a different uniform on and was pressed to the nines. I said where you going...He smiled and said he had a new job now...I woke up and said to myself...He's watching over his family...
May peace be with you all.
Kristine
October 25, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
October 6, 2006
In remembrance....
clyde bowden & family
November 16, 2005
the family has our sympathy and condolences. we will always remember those who died in the WTC.
Andrea Alexis
September 12, 2005
To the Entire Fields Family:
As a WTC survivor who worked in 7 WTC on 9/11/2001, I understand your sorrow and your joy. Even though four years have passed, I know you will continue to miss Sam. Be sure and know that the best way to keep his memory alive is to keep his smiles, words of wisdom, and encouragement in your heart. I know that he would expect nothing less.
damien field
October 10, 2003
god bless you sam
Angela Hyman
September 11, 2003
To the Field family, my prayers are
with you all. Oh Sam how you always smiled. I never forget when I teased you about being promoted and no longer standing in one place. That is my memory of you and how we just laughed that day. Every morning at 6:20 your good morning was always the same. Rest in Peace and keep smiling.
Felicia Fields
September 11, 2003
Hey Sam,
It's now officially two years since you've been gone! I am still having a very hard time dealing with all of the effects of 9/11.It is like it happened yesterday. I don't think I'll ever get over you being gone. I miss you so much you'll never ever know. You've always provided me with an ear to listen to my problems. You never was too busy to care about our family. Your wife and kids are still just as beautiful as ever. We're trying to hold on the best way we know how. There isn't a day that I don't think of you! You will always be in my heart and in my mind. I will never forget or stop thinking about you. Just know I will always be there for your wife and kids. It is my duty as your sister to do that cuz I know that you would do it for me. We shall meet again my beautiful and sweet brother.
I will always love you
Your sister, Felicia
Velma & Gerald Stewart
September 10, 2003
Angela...Sammy was a NATURAL BORN HERO...It was not in him to run. Angela I am trying to find Chris and Jimmie. Do you know where they are? They worked with him. Chris used to tell me stories about his nephew who he loved and Jimmie used to get on my hairdo's ...smile. Sammy always spoke of you, his children and the LORD. I know how hard this must be for you. They say time heals all things. I wonder how long it will take for time to heal this pain. I will never forget...never...
GOD Bless you and your children...
Rest in Peace Sammy...A true HERO.
Velma & Gerald Stewart
W. Apostolico
July 7, 2003
To Sam's Family -
Please forgive me for not offering my condolences sooner. You see, it took me almost a year to search this site for Sam's smiling face. And, although I heard through friends that I would find Sam here, I wept when I finally located his picture and haven't returned to this site until now. Sam was a true gentleman who made each day just a little sunnier for all who came into contact with him. He called me "executive" and I, along with so many others who knew and adored him, called him "smiley". I would see him several times a day throughout his shift and he would look at me with that mischevious smile of his and pull a trivial pursuit card out of his back pocket and challenge me to answer a question on the card. Sam simply made the mundane task of going to work each day just a little bit nicer. I guess I wanted you to know that even now, there are people who think of Sam often and feel fortunate for having known such a wonderful person.
Tynisha Rodriguez
April 16, 2003
I had the honor to meet the mother of the hero who tragically lost his life on 9/11. Although, I never met him, I know and felt the pain of this loss because he was one in a million. May God Bless his family and friends. He was or shall I say is a true HERO!
ANGELA FIELDS
April 13, 2003
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WROTE A TRIBUTE TO MY SAM, HE WAS A SPECIAL PERSON TO ME AND I MISS HIM VERY MUCH. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR KIND WORDS AND MEMORIES. HE MAD EVERYONE WHO MET HIM FEEL SPECIAL. AND YES SMILEY IS A WONDERFUL NAME FOR HIM, HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE NO MATTER THE SITUATION. AT FIRST HE WORRIED ABOUT US HAVING ANOTHER BABY BUT IN TIME HE WAS VERY HAPPY AND COULDN'T WAIT FOR A NEW DAUGHTER OR SON TO COME. NOW HE'S GONE AND I'M ALONE BUT NEVER ALONE I HAVE FIVE OF SAM'S CHILDREN TO RAISE. SO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND WORDS OF IN COURAGEMENT. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES AND ALSO FOR OUR SOLDIERS TO COME HOME VICTORIOUSLY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Jimmie Dickinson
December 18, 2002
Sam..damn, I'm sorry i started this like that but, if everyone knows how i feel. I was workin' that day bright and early as always. I worked for Summit Security w/ Sam. Everyday me and him worked One World Trade for 4 1/2 years. Never argued or nothin'. Always sung old songs and traded songs I still have the tapes he made me to help my music career. I always joked alot w/ him we were like brothers. He has a beautiful family i met them and his kids climbed on me always cause of my height LOL. I saw him that day when he wasn't suppose to be there. I pray to him every night. When i first told him of my girl is havin' a baby he schooled me on family. I get teary eyed searchin' life for his words. He was the best man. We was partners for the longest time. (wipin' eyes) If i had his families number i would of been callin' checkin' up on them always. He was suppose to see my baby birth but, i know he sees her now (smile) Sam man u ARE a FRIEND. You ARE THE GREATEST! I know you helped people man, as well as i did but, you should of been side by side w/ me. I remeber cuttin' his afro for the first time i convinced him everyone was shocked LOL. Always same always. You are the best friend i've ever had. I live on for you bro'. Yours truly.LOVE YOU SAM!
Lyn Banghart
October 11, 2002
To the Fields Family,
On this September 11, the one year anniversary, our chorale (The Annapolis Chorale) was part of the rolling Mozart Requiem. We were given buttons to wear and mine was the name of Samuel Fields. We sang our hearts out and I cried for Samuel even though I didn't know him or anything about him. When I came home, I looked his name up on the internet and it led me to this site. I was so proud to be able to have sung for this wonderful man! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All!
Meggie Hauth
September 15, 2002
From my point of view it sounds like Samuel Fields was a great guy. Always smiling no matter what mood he was in. I'm sure he died a happy man,and is is up in heaven after this tragic murder. God bless the Fields family, and God bless America.
Debi K
September 14, 2002
To the Fields family:
Last week on the 11th my highschool (students and staff) wore a tag for every victim of 9-11. I wore Samuel's name the whole day and I had written a poem. I was trying to find a way to get his home address and send his family a letter and my poem. My heart and prayers go out to his family and all the people who lost their loved ones.
Debi K. age:16 school: Santaluces HS, Lantana Florida
elisa maglione
September 12, 2002
To the Fields Family:
Yesterday in school Sept. 11,2002, our school gave us wristbands to wear that had a name of a vitcim of the tragic accident. The name on my band was your loved one Sam Fields. Throughout the whole day I wonder who this man was and what life he lived, right when i came home i went on the internet and found numerous sites with his information. From what I read he was a great man always wiht a smile on his face. That gave me a little ray of hope because since he was that happy on earth he must be glowing im heaven. My heart goes out to his whole family. GOD BLESS!
The United States Flag
Buckley Michel
September 8, 2002
My name is Buckley T. Michel. I am a former Security Officer at the WTC, my heart goes out to the families of Samuel Fields. He was a good person and I will never forget him.
Gary Ryniker
May 28, 2002
Sam was the security Guard at my elevator bank on & off for the 4 & a half years I worked at the WTC, he was friendy, Kind and easy to get along with always a professional and on occassion telling a joke. About a week before the attack he spotted me waiting for my bus home we than had time to talk about his favorite, sports, when my bus arrived he russed to a soft ball game. After the the attacks I was told he was spotted out of the building, Tower 1, He is a hero that went above & beyong to save a human life without reguard for his own.
God bless, keep him safe.
Harry Thomas, Sr.
May 12, 2002
I worked with Fields as I called him, but not directly because he did what the called Key Run with Operation Control Center. I was a supervisor that worked mainly in the subgrade parking areas and D-ramp, They all called me sector-4.
Anyway we would talk off and on, and I can definitely say he was truly a professional.
Brenda Cooper
April 26, 2002
Sammy was one of the nicest people I ever met while employed at the WTC. He was always smiling and that is how I will remember him. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family for I know he will be truly missed.
Angie Campbell
April 25, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Shalima Perry
March 12, 2002
I only knew Samuel Fields for a short time. I used to see him every morning on my way up to the office and always appreciated his pleasant deameanor and he always greeted everyone with a smile. I was saddended to learn of his passing and pray for his family in their time of sorrow. Sam was a really nice man and I will always remember that he was always pleasant and always had a smile on his face. May he rest in peace.
Jaime Vazquez
March 11, 2002
Dearest family of Mr Fields. My name is Jaime Vazquez. I have known Mr Fields since October of 96. I am a bit ashamed, I guess, to admit that it was not until 3 days ago when I heard the horrible news of your loss.
Sam, Mr Fields as I would call him, as he would call me Mr Vazquez, we use to call each other by our last names kind of to mock the big bosses walking around that insisted it was very important to be called by their last names when in public but could talk to us about the yanks or about trivia when no one was around( Hey Sam, my friend, do you think they still think it is that important?).
I use to ask Mr Fields if he wanted to make some extra cash on a Saturday on occasion working security for a concert, as they came around every know and then, and his answer was always the same, "Sorry but that day is for the man upstairs and my family". Mr Fields, you sir are truly a hero. No matter what was going on at the Trade Center, no matter who was in a bad mood, you could always count on the fact that Mr Fields would be smiling, for he knew and taught many that there is more to life than how much money you made or who you work for(or at least taught me). Sam, I just want to say Thank you for being the wonderful person that you are. You will be missed but NEVER forgotten.
patricia rasmussen
March 6, 2002
To the Fields Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I knew him for all the years he worked at the WTC. He greeted me every morning when I arrived for work with his wonderful outlook on life, comments on his favorite sports teams, the weather, candies, etc...anything to make people smile.
I am not surprised to find out that he stayed behind to help others, that was the type of person he was and I truly consider him a hero. I did not see him that day as I exited the building, but I did the day before and regret I didn't speak with him longer as we passed each other in the lobby - we just said hello. He had not been working recently at the turnstiles and I hadn't seen him as often and I wanted to ask him how he was but didn't get the chance. His supervisor told me shortly before that day that he wished he had "another hundred men like him" working for him, because Sam was such a great person.
My heart is breaking for you all and he will truly be missed by everyone who knew him and especially by you. Please know that his selfless actions will never be forgotten by me or my coworkers who also knew him.
May God's peace be with you.
Valerie Roberts
January 24, 2002
I was so saddened to see Sam was among the missing. I always marveled at his bright and cheery dispostion no matter what type of day it was. Every morning when I would pass him on my way up to my office he always made me smile. Even times when I wasn't in the best of moods he would remind me to smile and tell me it wasn't that bad. I am not smiling now because my heart is breaking. I will always remember him. God must have truly needed an angel.
January 17, 2002
DEAR LORD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS
BEAUTIFUL YOUNG MAN.MAY HIS SOUL
REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..MAY HE SING IN THE CHOIR OF
OUR LORD..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND'
FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW
YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN
Felicia Fields
January 13, 2002
Hello to eneryone that has written on this page. I as his sister would like to say I am glad that you recognize my brother as being a hero. I am honored to know he is a hero. He was definitely a good brother. He is a person that you couldn't help but to love. He was honest,caring and a responsible human being. I know that it is a long healing process but i still cry everyday knowing that my brother,a hero is gone. My life will never be the same without him. It is all of you that is helping me to begin to heal. Samuel, if you can see this while you are in heaven please know that I miss+love you. I am so proud of you. Love always your little sister Felicia
Fred Lobb
January 7, 2002
Samuel Fields--a Christian and a hero and an inspiration to us all.
We are so lucky the Good Lord has made exceptional individuals like you who selflessly step out to help the rest of us in times like these. I'm proud to be a citizen of a country that can produce men like Mr. Samuel Fields.
God bless you and your family; may they be comforted by your memory and the fact that they shall see you again.
Cynthia Gallegos
January 4, 2002
I am very sadden to hear that Sammy passed on. As I was exiting the lobby of 1 WTC I remmember seeing and smiling at him as I passed him. As always he was very helpful and was directing people into the correct direction to exit the building. Thank God we have people like him that worry about others and did not care for his own security. I consider him a hero. My sympathy for his family.
Teresa Jahn
January 2, 2002
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Dorothy Cochin
December 16, 2001
To the Fields family,
I met Samuel Fields in June 2000 while working at 1 WTC. I would go outside to smoke and there is where I met SMILEY. I named him Smiley because no matter what type of day he might have had, he always had this beautiful smile on his face. We would often chat and I knew that he had a heart of Gold. After Sept. 11th I searched the papers, watched the television, to find a hint of what may have happened to Smiley. Deep down in my heart I knew he would be one of the missing because knowing Smiley, he would have never left the building as long as people were still there. He would have been working with the FDNY & NYPD side by side. My co-workers and I all felt the same. My search ended on a Thursday, 2 weeks later, where I saw Smileys picture in the missing column. My heart shattered into a million pieces. I came home to my husband, family & friends and told them what I found. They all knew of Samuel Fields from what I told them, the HERO that is now confirmed missing.
Samuel Fields will forever be in our hearts for his dedication to save lives, for his heart of Gold and for that everday Smile.
My prayers and thoughts will forever be with the Fields family.
Dorothy Cochin
Karen Rickenbach
December 14, 2001
Sam,
Words could never express how deeply saddened I was to learn of your fate on 11 September. You were working frantically to help all of us, forgetting yourself. Your family needs to know that you were truly a hero that day. Still, I trust God, and He bless and keep you and your family always.
Karen Rickenbach
Darlene Cartwright
December 12, 2001
The Huntington House of God are in constant prayer for God to strengthen and comfort you and your family in this time due to the loss of your husband.
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