Samuel Furiness, Jr.

CARY - Samuel Furiness Jr. of Cary, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at the age of 89. Sam was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family first. He will be dearly missed. Sam was born on June 9, 1933, to Mary (Mihalak) and Samuel Furiness. He grew up in Hillside, NJ, with a passion for sports and played football, basketball, and baseball. He was a proud graduate of Lehigh University, where he obtained his industrial engineering degree and lettered for four years on the baseball team. Following his college graduation in 1955, Sam’s commitment to country led him to enlist in the Army, where he served for three years at Fort Devens, MA. It was during this time that he married Joyce, his cherished wife of 65 years. In all his endeavors, Sam demonstrated his natural capacity for leadership. From senior class president in high school to president of his college fraternity and captain of the baseball team to serving as pastoral elder for his church, Sam inspired the respect and admiration of those he led. Upon leaving the Army, Sam continued his father’s legacy as a small-business owner, running a successful manufacturing company for 43 years before his well-deserved retirement in 1999. Anyone who knew Sam will remember his unwavering integrity, strong work ethic, and quick wit. He was always generous with his wisdom, love, and support for family and friends. He never lost his passion for baseball, volunteering to coach youth teams for over 15 years and suffering as a lifelong NY Mets fan. Perhaps the legacy that Sam was most proud of was his children and grandchildren. He raised four sons to share and reflect the positive values so important to him, and he lived as a role model for his grandchildren. They fondly remember shared time spent over jigsaw puzzles, impromptu history lessons, and his hearty laugh at family gatherings—typically in response to one of his own jokes. Sam is survived by his wife, Joyce, his four sons—Samuel, David (Cari), Michael (Paula), and Daniel (Laurie)—and his eight grandchildren: Ryan, Rachel, Alex, Ben, Kate, Kameryn, Darrien, and Braxton. A memorial service for Sam will be held on Monday, August 29 at 10:00AM at Glenaire in Cary, NC (4000 Glenaire Circle). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.