Apr 2, 2023

Samuel C. Bear II, 73, of Canton Township, died suddenly and unexpectedly Monday, March 27, 2023, while reading a Model Railroading magazine.

He was born May 20, 1949, in Phoenixville, 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, N.J., 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, where 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, served Canton Township as a supervisor for 12 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 wife Meg, along with their daughters, Bella and Lilly, of Hudson, Mass, and Andrew M. Bear of Cleveland, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by 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 p.m.) Saturday, May 27. While there, donations, if desired, may be directed 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 Avenue, Washington.