Samuel W. Terhune Jr.

Samuel W. Terhune, Jr., 64, a lifelong resident of Pompton Lakes, died suddenly on Monday, June 16, 2025, while in his happy place - relaxing on the beach in Aruba beside his beautiful wife.
Born in Paterson, Sam was the son of Samuel Sr. and Evelyn (née Lucietto) Terhune, and the cherished brother of his sister, Debbie. He grew up in Pompton Lakes, where he spent his early years fishing and hunting with his father-outdoor passions that stayed with him for life.
After finishing high school, Sam began working for Dean Tire Service in Wayne before joining the team that opened the Price Club (now Costco) in Wayne. He went on to help open the East Hanover and Union locations, where he remained a dedicated and respected employee until his retirement in 2020. Sam was proud of his work at Costco-an environment where his family lovingly joked he "loved telling people what to do." But the truth is, he built genuine, lasting relationships with coworkers and customers alike, many of whom he stayed connected with long after leaving the job.
Sam was a people person through and through. He was the kind of neighbor who knew everyone's name, who they were walking with, and what was happening in their lives. A lifelong dog lover, he formed friendships just from walking his pup around the neighborhood, and he always took time to stop, talk, and truly listen.
He found joy in the simple pleasures: fishing New Jersey's rivers and streams, just as he had with his dad; taking yearly salmon fishing trips to Ontario with friends; and spending time with his growing family. Becoming a grandfather four years ago brought him unmatched joy, and he embraced the role of "Poppi" with open arms and a full heart. Siena, Myles, Luca and Bella adored him-and the feeling was mutual.
Sam's warmth, humor, and genuine care for others made him unforgettable. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Sam is lovingly survived by his wife, Lisa; his children, Barry McBain and his wife Deanna, and Nicole Galizia and her husband Nicholas; his sister, Debbie Morse and her husband Wayne; his grandchildren, Siena, Myles, Luca, and Bella; his nephew, Jason Morse and his wife Mika, and their children William and Anna; and his niece, Holly Petti and her husband Mike, and their son, Noah.
Visitation will be held Monday, June 23, 2025 from 4-8 pm at Scanlan's: Where Life is Celebrated. A service will be held 10 am on Tuesday, also at Scanlan's, before the funeral proceeds to a graveside service at Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam's memory to the ASPCA would be greatly appreciated. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel, please visit our floral store.