Samuel C. Bear Ii

Samuel C. Bear II, 73, of Canton Township, died suddenly and unexpectedly while he was reading a Model Railroading magazine on March 27, 2023. He was born on May 20, 1949, in Phoenixville, PA, the second son of the late Samuel C. Bear and Sarah Opal Hightower Bear. His early years were lived in the family home in Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he spent many hours learning from his father, an accomplished industrial arts teacher and machinist. Sam graduated from Pennsauken High School in 1967, and earned an MS in Metallurgy at Pennsylvania State University, while he also enjoyed hiking, bicycling, and rock climbing in “Happy Valley.” On June 9, 1973, he married Jean Carol Remmel, of Waynesboro, who survives. They moved from State College to Brookville, when Sam accepted a position with Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation. During his career, he served as a pipelines engineer, corrosion engineer, and pipeline project manager. Transfer to the Washington office occurred in 1988, and the family settled in Canton Township. Sam retired after over 25 years of service, and in retirement, he served Canton Township as a Supervisor for twelve years. He was widely known for his ability to repair almost anything. His collection of items needed for those jobs was immense, and if a repair part could not be found, he would create one. He currently served as Treasurer and Chief Repairman for The Train Gang of Washington County. He and Jean had been planning a road trip to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in June. Sam is also survived by his younger brother, Colvin M. Bear and wife Carol of Ohio, as well as their two sons, Howard and John. Sam had two sons. Charles E. Bear and his wife Meg, along with their daughters Bella and Lilly, live in Hudson, MA. Andrew M. Bear lives in Cleveland, OH. Sam was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, John C. Bear, of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Sam wished for no flowers, no visitations or services of any kind on the event of his death. However, family, friends and folks who appreciate the Train Gang of Washington County’s free model railroad display in Washington Crown Center Mall are invited to visit the layout during regular operating hours (noon to 5 PM) on Saturday May 27, 2023. There, if they wish, they may donate to the Train Gang’s “Charity Barrel” for distribution to local charities, or to the Train Gang itself to help with costs of operation. Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington.