Samuel D. Thuma

Samuel (Sam) D. Thuma, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 9, 2025. While Sam had most recently been living in Mechanicsburg, PA he spent portions of his life in both Harrisburg and Dillsburg. Sam was a graduate of Northern High School and York College. His primary occupation was as a Certified Public Accountant, but over the course of his life he also worked as a bank teller, a bookkeeper, a soccer referee, and a basketball and soccer coach. He was an athlete, a musician, a card and game player, a movie watcher, and a sports fan. It was not often he could be bested at Trivial Pursuit and he was an expert on all things pinochle. Basketball and golf were his favorite sports to play; interests then taken up by some of his children. He was the brother to Winnie and Carol (Ken); father to Sara, Ben (Katherine), Phil (Christine), and Jake (Casey), and grandfather to Sojourner, Maggie, Charlotte, Audrey, Olive, Violet, Juliette, and Madison. He was the former spouse of Kathy, and friend and colleague to many. Sam was often found on a sideline, in a theatre, or in a living room enjoying the athletic endeavors, performances, and antics of his kids, grandkids, and family friends. This sometimes required Sam to take a road trip (never without an audiobook) resulting in the occasional unexpected scenic route through some state park or an extra loop around the Jefferson Memorial.

Sam appreciated a good snack and was hardly ever without one. Hard pretzels were his favorite to eat and to share with others. Sam also enjoyed cooking and baking, sharing with his family, friends, and neighbors regularly. Sam often showed up with chocolate chip cookies much to the delight of his kids and grandkids. Sam was always ready for a tailgate, a “have grill, will travel” approach, even in the rain and wind. When not cooking or attending various activities, Sam could be found in his favorite recliner “checking his eyelids for light leaks” while presumably watching a movie or sporting event.

The family is grateful for all those who cared for and supported Sam over the course of his life. It is the family’s hope that each of you carry a piece of him with you as we all move through this next part of the journey without him.

The family plans to hold a celebration of life for Sam, but the details are to be determined. If you would like to be included in the celebration of Sam, please email the family at sam.thuma.estate@gmail.com The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Donate Life America or a youth sports organization of your choosing in honor of Sam.