Name: Memorial service for Samuel T. McSeveney
Start: 2017-08-26T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Cumberland Room at the University Club of Nashville

Samuel T. McSeveney

Nashville, TN

Died August 5, 2017. Age 86. Arrangements by Alternative Cremaion & Funeral Service 615-567-6969

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Published by Tennessean on Aug. 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel McSeveney

Sponsored by The Tennessean.

9 Entries

Robert Padernacht.PhD

November 10, 2017

I attended the Brooklyn College Graduate Division between 1966-1971. A thesis was a requirement in the History Department's MA program and naturally, a mentor was needed. Through recommendations, I found myself in the office of Dr.Sam one afternoon and after a lengthy discussion,he graciously consented to take me on as my thesis advisor.
His quiet and professional manner never prepared me for what was coming! I found he was a stickler for grammar...including sentence structure,spelling,punctuation,and verb agreement. To be sure,in my first drafts, I found more of his red ink than my black words.
After a full year and a half,however,we did manage to get through it and I was well-prepared for the doctorate program at St.John's University.
Years later, I called him to see how he was and to thank him for what he did for my education. He was overjoyed at my success ...while I delighted to hear once again that quiet and astute voice. Thank you Dr.Sam.I will never forget you!

Wesley Grantham

August 27, 2017

Our family has always had a deep admiration and affection for the McSeveney family, and we were so sorry to hear that Sam passed away recently. We know he was one of Dewey's favorite colleagues, and we remember how Sam and Dewey were faithful visitors to Bob Isherwood when Bob was so ill. It was uplifting and impressive during Sam's memorial service to hear of his many academic accomplishments and especially of his kindness toward colleagues, students and their families, which we remember well ourselves. Our thoughts are with all of the family during this time.

Bonnie Myers

August 26, 2017

Sandy and I are book club friends. Whenever the book club met at the McSeveney home, Sam appeared to greet members of the book club. A true teacher, he usually gave us printouts from his research on whatever book we were to discuss before he retreated to another part of the house. I knew Sam to be knowledgeable, curious, quietly present and, above all, a kind, caring gentleman.

Joanne Beckham

August 25, 2017

For several years I served with Professor McSeveney on the advisory board of Vanderbilt's Women's Center. He was very gracious and kind to me. A few years later after his retirement, my two eldest sons and their families were fortunate to become his neighbors. I'm so glad they had the opportunity to know him and to experience his kindness as I once did.

Charlton Lewis

August 23, 2017

Sam and I were colleagues for perhaps 15 years at Brooklyn College (CUNY). We sat on committees together. We and our wives were socially close. I respected his knowledge. I feel fortunate to have had him for a friend.

Sam had a powerful moral center. He was humane. He spoke his mind quietly and wisely. He was open and honest. More than any friend I have ever had, he exuded integrity. When I was with Sam, I felt a sense of steadiness. I was so sorry when he left Brooklyn College. Vanderbilt was fortunate to have him and his wife, Sandy, in their community. I will miss him the rest of my life.

Will Van Derveer

August 21, 2017

Dr. McSeveney was a delightful human being, a model of what a true gentleman can be: loving, dedicated, curious, funny, intellectually insatiable, present, immeasurably kind. It was a true blessing to know him.

August 21, 2017

The extended McSeveney and Crymble family in Larne Co Antrim, Northern Ireland remember Sam with deep affection. Sincere sympathy to Sandy and Daniel and extended family.

Cecil Ross

August 20, 2017

Dr. Sam,was the last survivor among my Vanderbilt professors. Though a distinguished research historian, he never looked down on undergraduates. And he did so for students of all stripes. My wife and I both studied under him. Although he knew that our opinions differed from his on some important issues of the day, we never had an unkind word from him. In fact, he went out of his way to help me launch my graduate school career. Dr. Sam was a strong liberal, not just in the currently received sense but in the original sense--benevolent, generous,kindly, just and fair. His memory can remind us of those halcyon days when Americans could disagree without hating each other In short,he was indeed a scholar and a gentleman, Rest in peace, Dr. Sam. We will sorely miss you.

Heidi

August 10, 2017

Sam was full of grace. He cared sincerely about others. He was generous, kind and gentle. He was a "gentleman."

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