DR. SAMUEL A. FARMERIE

FEB. 21, 2023

Dr. Samuel Farmerie—affectionately known as “Sam” to members of the Westminster community—passed away Feb. 21, 2023, at the age of 91. A familiar presence on campus for decades, Sam was an intellectually curious individual and a consummate learner. Although the professor of education emeritus retired from teaching in 2001, he remained an integral part of the Westminster family.

A Pittsburgh native, Sam earned his bachelor’s degree from Clarion State Teachers College. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps following graduation. It was overseas in Japan where he was assigned his first teaching job: instructor for the Atomic, Biological and Chemical Warfare School.

Upon his return, Sam taught high school math and history in East Smithfield, Pa. There he met another teacher, Janice, whom he would marry on April Fools Day in 1961. Always a bit of a prankster, the timing of his marriage day was fitting.

During the summers of 1958-1960, he used his benefits from the G.I. Bill to earn his M.Ed. from Westminster College. He later earned his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University.

He joined the Westminster education faculty in 1966, beginning a tenure that would last 57 years. He served as chair of the Department of Education and also led the College’s graduate program.

While he loved teaching, Sam entered soft retirement in 2001 and became the curator of the Artifacts Committee. He then discovered the second love of his life—a 2,300-yearold Egyptian mummy named Pesed. His commitment to Pesed over the next 22 years led her to be regarded as an honorary member of his family. Sam coordinated an in-depth examination, restoration and conservation process for Pesed during July 2022.

Sam delighted in delivering chocolate hearts to the College staff on Valentine’s Day and enjoyed playing pranks on April Fools Day. He truly was a “super duper” gentleman.

Sam is survived by three children, including Todd Farmerie ’87 and Wendy Farmerie ’91 Memorial contributions can be sent to the Samuel A. & Janice C. Farmerie Scholarship to benefit education majors or the Artifacts Committee, both at Westminster College.

ARE YOU IN THIS LINEUP?

Pictured below on the Orb are Dance Theatre members from 2000. Are you pictured? Do you have a favorite dance memory? Send your answers to wcmagazine@ westminster.edu