David Synnott Sampson

Sampson, David Synnott
CANAAN, Conn. - David Synnott Sampson died at his home in Canaan, Conn., on Wednesday, May 15. He was 81 years old. A native of Troy, N.Y., he was the son of Ruth Hall and Stephen Sampson. His formative years were spent at Brooks School in Andover, Mass., and St. Lawrence University, where he graduated in 1965. He began his career as a reporter with the Troy Record and the Associated Press, prior to attending Albany Law School.
Following law school, he joined the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to campaign for the state's first Environmental Bond Act. Sampson proposed a bike ride across the state to highlight the importance of protecting the environment. The successful campaign led to the passage of the New York State Environmental Quality Bond Act. Thus began a career in environmental law that cemented Sampson's reputation as a builder of consensus across aisles in service of preserving natural resources and access to green spaces.
Among his achievements, Sampson enjoyed positions as the Executive Director of the American Land Forum, Chairman of the NYS Freshwater Wetlands Appeals Board, Founding Director of New York Parks and Conservation Association, and Chairman of the Environmental Law Section of the NYS Bar Association. He also served as an adjunct professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.
His signature professional accomplishment was the creation of the Hudson River Greenway, a network of multi-use trails along both sides of the Hudson River. As its first Executive Director, it was Sampson's ability to garner support in communities large and small along the Hudson that allowed the Greenway to flourish.
But Sampson would tell you that his proudest accomplishments were personal, as a loving husband and father to a wife and two sons who will miss him dearly. His patience and support as a father allowed his sons to find creative niches that led to two successful careers in the music industry; something you would learn within five minutes of meeting him. His pride in his family knew no boundaries.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Arlene Mernit Sampson; his sons, Christopher (Melissa Silvetti) and Jamie (Cia Glover); and his grandchildren, Nicholas, Alejandro, and Max. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra Sampson Sloan (Norton). His absence will leave a void in all of their hearts.
In lieu of flowers, please find your way to a hammock with a good book in hand. You can also donate to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society at https://www.mohawkhumane.org/, or send a donation to the Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, at 625 Broadway, 4th Floor, Albany, N.Y. 12233-2995.