Newark – Sam Singleton “Mr. Sam” the beloved John R. Downes Elementary School custodian passed away on Monday, March 27, 2017, at the age of 93.
Singleton spent his early career working hard in the West Virginia coal mines. In 1959 when the mine closed Singleton headed to Maryland for work, where he worked in the region for another 31 years. In 1990, at the age of 67, an age that most would be retiring at, “Mr Sam” was just getting started.
Singleton would go onto work at the school for another 24 years before he retired at the age of 91. “Mr. Sam” was always seen smiling and telling stories to the children and the school’s staff.
When “Mr. Sam” retired from the school in January of 2015 it came as shock to many. At 91 he was still working harder then those half his age and his work ethic was something to look up to, according to a Downes parent.
The family will hold a private service for “Mr. Sam”, according to the his obituary.
“Mr. Sam” December. 22, 1923 – March 27, 2017
