Samuel Causer
Perryopolis
Samuel Thomas “Sam” Causer Jr., 84, of Perryopolis, died Friday evening, August 30, 2024, in his home, after recently being placed on hospice with the unfailing support of his second wife, Tina Harris.
One of five brothers, Sam was born July 16, 1940, in Beaverdale, Cambria County, a son of the late Samuel and Ann Orgvan Causer, who passed away in 1955 and 1999 respectively.
Sam proudly served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1959 – 1962, where he was primarily stationed at Fort Kobbe at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal in the Panama Canal Zone.
Upon his return from the service, Sam made his career performing various roles in the region’s steel mills including crane operator.
Sam was a steadfast companion and partner to two strong women, who both had an outsized influence in his life and brought him into their respective families. Sam built his house in Perryopolis with his first wife, Connie Geary) Causer, which they shared with Connie’s adult son, Cameron Geary. Both Cameron and Connie passed away in 2009. For over 25 years, Sam and Connie raised Himalayan cats together and planted and maintained a large garden, small orchard, and numerous flower gardens. They also enjoyed buying and selling items at flea markets and dining out in and around Fayette County. A trip to visit Sam and Connie always involved long chats on any number of subjects and multiple cups of coffee. Sam was particularly fond of recounting his experiences in military service, working in the mills, and sharing or showing visitors whatever mechanical-related project he was working on utilizing his extensive tool collection.
Following Connie’s passing, Sam met his second wife, Tina Harris, in 2010. The two met at the American Legion and started a new type of adventure shortly thereafter. A new world of camping was opened to Sam through Tina and the two began taking regular trips as far away as Nashville in either their pull-behind trailer, or later, a mobile home. They particularly enjoyed shopping, sightseeing, and especially going on fishing charters. Friends, family, and neighbors also accompanied Sam and Tina on trips and stopped by the home. For those who knew him best, Sam was fun to hang around with, was easy to talk to, and would readily share his thoughts on a variety of topics.
Love and laughter often filled the home, especially after the birth of Tina’s grandchildren and regular visits from the expanding family. Tina was a steadfast partner for Sam. Through it all, her love for him shone through, especially in her faithful execution of his sincere wish to receive his end-of-life care at home.
Sam is survived by his wife, Tina Harris; and her children, Kristina Myers (Ryan), Shelley Culbreath (Mark), Astrid Salko, and Amber Harris (Donald Thomas). Many of Tina’s grandchildren also frequently filled hers and Sam’s home with joy and include: Katelynn Tennant (Shelley), Michaela and Jonah (Mark and Shelley), Dylan Higby (Kristina), and Damari and DeAndre (Donald and Amber).
Sam is also survived by Connie’s family including her sons, Donald Geary (Karen) of Gibsonia, and Addison Geary (Lori) of Philadelphia. Surviving grandchildren include: Matthew Geary (Katie) of Glenshaw, Daniel Geary (Amanda) of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Wynn Geary of Philadelphia. Sam’s surviving great-grandchildren include: Audrey, Evelyn, Gabriel (Matt and Katie), and Levi and Reese (Dan and Amanda.
Of Sam’s brothers and their family, Sam is survived by his nieces, Leslie Causer of Clinton, Victoria D., and Christina J. Causer and families. Sam is also survived by nephews, Jimmie Causer of Hinesville, Ga., and Frederick Causer Jr. and family of Seaside, Ore.
In addition to his parents; 1st wife, Connie; and Connie’s son, Cam; Sam was preceded in death by Tina’s son, Michael Salko; two nephews, Johnny A. and Danny Causer; and Sam’s four brothers,Edward, Frederick, Richard and Robert Causer.
Sam’s viewing will be held from 12 to 2 p.m., the time of a blessing service, Saturday, September 14, in the BLAIR-LOWTHER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 305 Rear Independence Street, Perryopolis, with the Rev. Rodollo (Rody) Mejia as celebrant. Full military rights and honors will then be accorded by the VFW Gold Star Post 7023 of Perryopolis.
Condolences are welcome at blairlowther.com.