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Howard (Sam) Weaver
10/25/48-5/25/2010
JAMESTOWN, NY - On May 25, 2010, a good man was called home "to dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Howard Samuel Weaver, 170 Lakeside Blvd., Jamestown, and formerly of Franklinville, was born Oct. 25, 1948, to Phyllis Irene Leach Weaver and William Howard Weaver Jr. in a schoolhouse on Whig Street in the town of Little Valley. Never one to let his schoolhouse birth influence him, Howard, better known as "Sam" to his family and friends, spent much of his life outdoors or in the garage rebuilding gas engines.
Sam as an avid "critter-finding, creek-swimming, sister-pestering" kid who grew into an amazing man who loved to hunt, fish and fix anything that was broken. His family and friends meant the world to him, as did extending a helping hand to whoever needed it. He was the "go-to-guy" of the neighborhood who possessed a wealth of knowledge and skills, which he used and shared to help others.
Fishing was one of Sam's greatest loves. It was something he could still do after cancer invaded his body. Resembling the "old man in the sea" as he headed out in his little fishing boat, he always looked forward to spring crappie fishing on Chautauqua Lake, This year was especially good for perch and he spent countless hours during the last few weeks enjoying himself. Sam had a knack for finding and catching fish when no one else could.
Deer hunting was also top on his list. Even though he couldn't hunt like he used to, going to camp with the guys meant a lot to him. Known for his "sticky popcorn," peanut butter fudge and expert aim, his lifelong buddies are going to miss him.
Early in the 1980's Sam bought his first antique gas engine. Restoring and running these machines became his passion. He would haul home trailer loads of rusty old iron and work his magic in the garage. His understanding of how mechanical things worked was phenomenal. Better known as Howard, to this group of friends, he was a fixture at the Franklinville Maple Festival's Antique Engine Show and the annual show in Stockton. One of his proudest moments was when he was "accepted" into the elite engineers' club at Coolspring Power Museum near Brookville, PA. He has an engine on permanent display there, a gift from a friend who gave Howard hope after his cancer diagnosis.
Coming from a large family and raised on Baker Road in Little Valley, Sam always had someone to play with and pick on. As the second son of Bill and Phyllis Weaver, who predeceased him, Sam's siblings include Bill (Linda) Weaver of Cattaraugus, Dawn (Don) Krotz of Bemus Point, Jean (Pete) Pierce of Little Valley, Janet (Fred) Hadley of East Otto, Melody (John) Slater of Salamanca, Marilyn (Hank) Jacoby of Portville, Lynn (Carol) Weaver of Salamanca and Ellen Weaver of Olean. Many special nieces and nephews will also deeply miss their Uncle Sam.
Sam graduated from Little Valley School in 1967. He worked for Bob Pease before being hired by the Cattaraugus County Highway Department in 1968. Starting out as a laborer on the bridge crew, Sam also worked as a truck driver, loader operator, and road section supervisor, retiring in December 2000 with 32 years of service. He took great pride in being able to operate all kinds of equipment and doing a good job.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army on Oct. 9, 1969. He served in Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry, Black Horse Regiment.
Sam was a lifelong member of VFW Post 9487 in Franklinville, a member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Tropic Isles Boat Club, Coolspring Power Museum and other area antique engine/equipment clubs. He attended the Celoron United Methodist Church where he reconnected with God.
He is survived by two fine sons, Cory Weaver of Franklinville and Kevin (Jessica) Weaver of Springfield, VA; and a beautiful granddaughter, Allegra Waver, who brought him joy and happiness. He is also survived by his wife of 38 years, Susan Songster Weaver, whom he loved with his whole heart and soul. They were married on May 20, 1972, in Franklinville. Little did he realize that with this marriage he acquired seven more siblings, their spouses and children who loved him as a brother and special uncle.
Visitation will be held at the Babbit & Easton Funeral Home, 7 N. Main St., Franklinville, today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of Sam's life will be held at the First Baptist Church, 27 S. Main St., Franklinville on Friday (May 28, 2010) at noon. Friends and family are asked to bring photos and stories about Sam to share.
Memorials may be made to the Celoron United Methodist Church, Coolspring Power Museum or American Cancer Society.
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