Samuel "Clipper" Vail

Samuel Wallace Vail Jr., age 53, passed away on January 14, 2022 with close family at his side. He fought a brave and hard battle with cancer.
Sam, affectionately called "Clipper" by close family was born on March 11,1968 in Tarrytown, NY, the first child of his surviving parents Samuel Wallace Vail Sr. and Heather Buell Vail. He is survived by his wonderful and talented wife Tanya Silva Vail and his adoring daughter, Julia Helene Vail from Roebling, NJ. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Vail-Archer, DVM Bordentown, NJ, mother and father-in-law Karin and Carlos C. Silva, and brother-in-law Carlos Silva, all of Bridgeport, CT.
He is survived by his aunts, Nancy Law of Beaufort, SC, and Margaret Morgan and Sandra McCaffrey both of Nashville, TN. and his uncle Brian Vail, Windsor, NY. Survivors include nephew, Louis Archer and niece Samantha Archer of Bordentown, NJ. He is survived by many supportive and loving cousins.
Sam is predeceased by grandparents Dr. Arthur Louis and Helen Buell, Redlands, CA and Ms. Laurine Wallace Vail of Nashville, TN, Samuel Ellsworth Vail, Binghamton, NY. and brother Gage Hughes Vail, Bordentown, NJ.
Sam originally lived in Dobbs Ferry, NY and along with his family moved to Bordentown, NJ in 1979. Sam attended and graduated from The Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ. After graduation he earned an Associate's degree in Advertising and Design from Mercer County Community College. He went on to attend the School of Visual Arts in NYC where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. At SVA he met Tanya, the love of his life. From his early years Sam's curious and independent spirit would distract him from his group to investigate under rocks, logs and nearby streams to find frogs, lizards and bugs. He loved his pets including Rebecca who accompanied him to his Peddie graduation and Squeakers who happily napped at his side for the last 14 years. His love of exploring nature, whether skiing in the mountains of Vermont or traversing the rivers of coastal South Carolina were among his favorite pastimes. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing and kayaking. He spent many hours gardening and growing his favorite giant sunflowers and morning glories that he generously gifted to all who might appreciate them. Music and art were his
true passions. Sam, strumming a guitar while planning his next artistic endeavor was a familiar sight. He enjoyed creating object 'd arts such as intricately carved walking sticks and bird houses which he enjoyed gifting to friends and family.
His life's work spanned from typographic sales in NYC, stage and set design for the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, faux and decorative painting, interior design/technician to building repair and maintenance. He loved the variety in his work which was provided by Bordentown Township where duties included background set design and implementation for holidays like Halloween and Christmas, painting, stage and sound engineering. He found that the interactions he had with his "township family" and the Bordentown community made his job distinctly satisfying.
He had a kind, considerate and polite demeanor and was always eager to help. He enjoyed performing little anonymous acts of kindness. His guiding principle was to leave people feeling better than he found them. He hoped that each interaction he had was an opportunity to leave a positive effect. Above all, he greatly loved and adored his wife and daughter. Many wonderful friends generously contributed time, prayers and funds while he fought cancer. His appreciation and gratitude was unending.
A celebration of his life is planned on the evening of April 22, 2022 at The HOB Tavern on Second St. in Bordentown City.
Please RSVP by April 15 to 609-499-6833 or email strbreeze@aol.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Huber-Moore Funeral Home, Bordentown, NJ. www.huberfuneralhome.com