Sammy passed away on April 7, 2022 in his home on the mountain after a 6 year battle with ALS, he was 45.
Sammy was born in Middletown, New York to Deborah and Lester Mance on September 26, 1976.
He was a lifelong resident of Walker Valley and graduated from Pine Bush High School in 1995. He enjoyed a beautiful life in the country and, “had the best childhood you could imagine.” He loved the woods, fishing, hunting, cooking, foraging, repairing things, working hard, playing hard, dancing, eating great food, snowmobiling, and living life to the fullest. When he was only 22 he started a construction company with his brother Seth. At 25 he married the love of his life, Sera, had two beautiful daughters, Julia and Cora, and built their home together.
When Sam turned 37 he decided to go to college to pursue a degree in Drafting and Industrial Technology, while also working two jobs. He graduated with high honors, was on both the Dean’s and President’s list and was a member of the PTK Honor Society. Unfortunately, shortly after starting his dream job as the Park Supervisor at Sam’s Point, he began to exhibit symptoms of ALS and had to leave his position 9 months later.
In the spring of 2017, with the help of a generous gift from Team Gleason, he was able to realize his lifelong dream of climbing the steps of the Duomo in Florence, Italy. A few months after that trip Sam lost his ability to walk and work. Sera, Julia and Cora have not left his side and cared for all of his needs, in their home, over the past 6 years. The family would like to acknowledge the support and loving care from his care team Brittany, Melissa, and Jamie. They would also like to acknowledge his brother Seth for his tremendous support of Sam and his family.
Sam is survived by his wife, Sera Mance (Moore) and their daughters Julia and Cora; parents, Lester and Deborah; brother Lester, wife Amanda and children Henry and Margo; brother Adam, wife Darcy and children Adam, Megan, and Thomas; brother Seth and Laura Auld; sister-in-law Elissa Kennedy and husband Dan and children Sierra, Haley, Dylan and Alex; parents-in-law, Maggi and Paul Grannis; parents-in-law, Donald and Christine Moore and children Nigel, Stella, and Theo; and dear friends Jerred and Colleen Russell and their sons Angus and Eagan. Anyone who knew Sam knew that he was a proud and loving father and the friend you could always count on. We take comfort in knowing that Sam is finally at peace.We thank our community that has continued to support our family during a tragic time.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to gofund.me/f778fe59 . This will help his girls recover from the exhaustion and financial burden that ALS has caused. Julia is currently attending college and Cora will be going to college in the fall. They are both actively pursuing an education to help build lives that will make their Dad proud.
Funeral service will be offered at The Reformed Church of Shawangunk, 1166 Hoagerburgh Road, Wallkill,on Wednesday April 13, 2022 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Howard Dalton officiating. Burial will follow at the Walker Valley Cemetery, Route 52 Walker Valley.
To leave an online condolence, please visit wmgaganfuneralhome.com