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Jeffrey Joseph Sama

FUNERAL HOME

DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, Inc. - Guilderland

5216 Western Turnpike

Guilderland, New York

Jeffrey Sama Obituary

Sama, Jeffrey Joseph LELAND, N.C. Jeffrey Joseph Sama, 60, formerly of Guilderland passed at his North Carolina home on Sunday, November 17, 2013 surrounded by his family. Born in Amityville, N.Y. Jeffrey was the son of Antoinette Lenicek Sama and the late Lawrence Sama. Jeff was a retired director of Environmental Permits and Pollution Prevent for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). His interests included the great outdoors, marine biology, music and bird watching. He enjoyed playing tennis, golf, skiing and surfing. His passion was for travel, to show his family the world will live on. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Jeanne; his children, Nicole and Matthew; granddaughter, Yazmyn; brother Stephen; and mother, Antoinette. Calling hours will be held at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Tpk. in Guilderland on Thursday, from 4-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Madeline Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Rd. on Friday at 11:30 a.m. Donations are appreciated and can be made in his name to the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project, PO Box 114, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Nov. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Sama

Sponsored by Dennis Jan Wolterding--for all his NYSDEC colleagues who so respected Jeff Sama.

21 Entries

Jim Garry

November 15, 2023

Jeff is not forgotten among those who worked with him. He is still missed.

Dennis Wolterding

November 14, 2019

Today, on the Sixth Anniversary of Jeff's death, as I drive past Leland, North Carolina on a trip to Fort Fisher, I remember him with great fondness and respect. He was my colleague for many years, and my boss for four years; a smart, honest, sensitive and creative man who inspired all who worked with him. Peace Be Upon Him and His Loved Ones.

Dennis Wolterding

July 16, 2017

July 16, 2017--From Myrtle Beach SC:

To the Sama Family:

I have just learned of Jeff Sama's death in 2013 and am deeply sorry that I could not offer my sympathies to you at the time.

Like Jeff, I was a career employee with NYSDEC. I had heard of him, but as luck had it, I had the pleasure of working with him (as his lead geologist) when he and Paul Gallay directed the NY-NJ Harbor Dredging Team in 1996. Jeff was one of the finest human beings I have known. He was not just an artist, but a creative manager who was at once politically astute yet honest to the core. I had hoped to see him again, and, perhaps, by the Grace of God I will some day. As his family, you know how lucky you were to have Jeff in your life. I can tell you from personal experience, his colleagues and the regulated community were just as lucky. God bless and comfort you. Dennis Jan Wolterding ([email protected])

Jon White

December 2, 2013

To the Sama family: I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff was a fine man. I always held him in the highest regard. Jeff had a kind and affable way about him and he was a model of professionalism and competence for me and all my colleagues at DEC. I still have the notebook from our permit-writing training in 1989 that he presided over. Being from a regional office (New Paltz) I did not get to rub shoulders with the Albany staff all that much. Jeff was great at making me feel welcome and appreciated. My hearfelt sympathies to all of you.

Carl Johnson

November 23, 2013

So very sorry for your loss, and regretful that I wasn't able to get to Albany in time to pay my respects. Jeff was a wonderful colleague, one of the first people I worked with at DEC. He was always interested in finding new and better ways to do things, in solving problems, and in making the world a better place.

Denise Sheehan

November 22, 2013

To the Sama family - I am so very sorry for your loss. Jeff was a wonderful man with a big heart and a real passion for his life and his work. He was very helpful to me personally while I was at DEC and I am forever thankful to him. He often spoke with pride of his family and we all knew of his devotion to you. I hope you will find solace in knowing how many people he touched and inspired everyday.

November 21, 2013

We'll keep you in our prayers. Our door is always open, and our hearts. The O'Connors.

Bob LaPietro

November 21, 2013

I have many fond memories of times that our family spent with Jeff and his family. He was a supportive husband and great dad. His excitement for all that life had to offer made if a pleasure to be in his company. Your spirit will be truly missed.

November 21, 2013

The Sama Family;

May the grace of our Lord be with your family at this time of your loss. May Jeff's soul Rest in Perfect Peace.

Frank & Kavita Kostek

November 21, 2013

Jeanne, We are so sorry for you loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Rick Tuers

November 21, 2013

Jeane & Family,

So sorry for the loss of your husband and father.

Jeff was a great friend to me while working at DEC at the Broadway location. We often talked about his trips with his family, especially those to Hawaii. He even loaned his maps and guide books when my wife Terri and I traveled to the Big Island and Kua in 2011. I always enjoyed Jeff's perspective on living life to the fullest and his smile was infectious. I know we will meet again and share the great times again in Heaven. I will think about in Florida and in our travels.

Blessings,

Rick Tuers

Gene Kelly

November 21, 2013

Jeff inspired so many with whom he worked. His passing came far too early.

Nancy Baker

November 21, 2013

Larger than life. That's the only way to describe Jeff. So full of fun, so supportive of all that worked for him and with him. Truly happy for us when good things happened, and our biggest supporter when things weren't so good. There will never be another like Jeff. Truly a mentor and friend to so many of us. Rest in peace, Jeff. Our thoughts are with your family and many friends.

Kim Copenhaver

November 21, 2013

Jeff inspired and encouraged me as a intern in his section. He kept me on for several terms and helped laucnh my career. I'm forever grateful to have known him. My heart goes out to his family and friends for their loss.

James Close

November 20, 2013

I never worked directly with Jeff at DEC, but admired his work and dedication from a distance; a fine person whose example will not be easily forgotten, and who will be long remembered by those who knew him.

November 20, 2013

We were so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Marilyn & John Fewkes.

arlene blumenthal

November 20, 2013

Michael and I are so sorry about Jeff. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

November 20, 2013

Jeanne, so sorry to hear about Jeff. Heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family. Lee and Deb

November 20, 2013

Jeff was a great Division Director. We worked together for many years. This is a great loss for all you and our hearts go out to you at this time. Sincerely, Tim and Liz Cooke

Jim Garry

November 20, 2013

All of Jeff's colleagues at DEC were saddened and disturbed to learn of his passing. I never worked directly with Jeff but enjoyed talking with him when our paths crossed. He was a fine person. I offer sincere condolences to his family.

November 20, 2013

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joyce and Dan Gangemi

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