Sam Falzone, 77, completed what he liked to describe as his “ride on the wave of life” on October 30, 2025, when — after a courageous journey with cancer — he finally reached “the beach,” surrounded by the family whose love sustained him every mile of the way.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in a big, loud, endlessly loving Italian family in Trenton, N.J., Sam was formed early by gatherings where the food was abundant, the music was loud and the laughter was louder. Summers in Cape May Point — where the lighthouse blinked like an old friend and the ocean seemed to call him by name — rooted his lifelong love of the sea. Decades later that same beach became a pilgrimage point for his own children, who returned with him one last time this June to honor the place that helped make him who he was.
Sam possessed a singular talent for transforming ordinary spaces into whimsical worlds. His family’s single upstairs bathroom — packed with seashells, flippers-turned-shampoo-holders, sea-glass mosaics and a dolphin sculpture — was a 45-year testament to both his artistic imagination and his family’s patience. Those who survived that bathroom could survive anything.
But his creativity didn’t stop at interior design experiments of the nautical variety. Sam was also the architect of the now legendary whiskey-barrel-ring mobiles — kinetic works of art he crafted with care, balance and a touch of magic. Today they sway in yards across the country, catching light, breeze and the admiration of everyone who happens upon them. They are, in effect, small pieces, gently turning in the wind of Sam’s worldview: that you can manifest your happy place and that optimism, properly tended, can become its own kind of sculpture.
Music was Sam’s lifelong language. After receiving a Gene Autry guitar as a child, he never stopped playing. He moved through bands the way others move through hairstyles — from the Motown-infused Rubytones to the rock band Cut Glass and ultimately to Midlife Chrysler, the Vermont outfit he founded in his forties that built a loyal following and capped its run with an epic final performance at Club Metronome in early 2000. He was fluent in guitar but never above dabbling in banjo, mandolin or ukulele — especially if it added flair.
Sam was also a man of rituals, most notably his seasonal habit of balancing an egg on every solstice and equinox. This tradition inspired countless others to test the limits of eggs, gravity and patience, all in celebration of welcoming life’s next season with a wink.
After attending Trenton Community College to play soccer, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in a reconnaissance technical squadron in Okinawa, Japan, during the Vietnam War, reviewing film to determine whether missions hit their targets. When his service ended, he turned his focus from global horizons to local ones, beginning a career in housing that would define his professional legacy.
At the Vermont Housing Finance Agency, where he worked for 38 years, Sam became something of an in-house bard. Celebrating a birthday? A retirement? A new baby? Sam wrote you an ode. Feeling hungry? He probably brought you a risotto built from whatever ingredients he unearthed at home. Need a pick-me-up? He’d appear with his Martin guitar and a song. During a turbulent year on a personal level, a colleague assured him he would “find his snorkel,” and, naturally, Sam responded by writing a song called “Snorkel.” And naturally, it was amazing and his most recognized song of all time.
But above all, Sam was a family man — or, more accurately, a family superfan. His children were his greatest pride and his grandchildren his greatest joy. If you ever walked into Sam’s home on Marion Street, you were likely welcomed with a melody, a fire in the hearth, a bottle of good wine or a signature homemade limoncello over ice, and a meal so delicious you’d talk about it for weeks. He taught us to savor the simple wonders: the ocean’s rhythm, the glow of a comet, the quiet wisdom of trees, the healing power of laughter and the unmatched joy of loving people well.
In January 2024, Sam and his partner and love, Jean Bernstein, moved to the seacoast of Maine with plans to walk beaches, collect sea glass, and maintain the delicate life balance he preached — and practiced — with enviable consistency.
Sam leaves behind an adoring (and occasionally overfed) family: his long-term partner, Jean, of Kittery, Maine; son Guthrie and wife Aishling of Kittery Point, Maine; daughter, Caitlin, of Stowe, Vt.; son Sander and wife Melissa of Barrington, N.H.; his brother, Joseph, and brother-in-law, Joseph, of Philadelphia; and six grandchildren — Emarie, Wheatley, Corbin, Evan, Malin and Nathan — each of whom lit up his unmistakable sparkle. He reunites now with his loving parents, Alfonso and Rose, who no doubt greeted him with a full Italian spread the moment he arrived.
His motto remains a gentle directive to all who loved him: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Find balance. Give back. Be kind. Love hard. And enjoy every free trip around the sun you’re given — because life is fleeting and beaches are waiting.
A celebration of life to honor our amazing Sammy will be held in the Burlington, Vt., area in spring 2026. An announcement will be made with details in the coming months.
This article appears in The Winter Preview Issue 2025.
I’m so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. I did not know he was ill. I thoroughly enjoyed the business relationship I had with Sam at VHFA over many years; he was always a joy to deal with. Sam’s smile lit up every room he entered, and he added so much to our community. He was a Man for All Seasons. A true gem.
Rest easy Sam.
Sorry to hear/see this. It’s been a long time but he was a memorable person who always brought good energy with him.
Sam will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. The most kind, gentle man I have ever met. I was lucky to work with him at VHFA for 20 years. One of my daily treats was to meander up to the third floor to get Sam’s wisdom. He was just one of those amazing people we meet in our lives. Rest in peace my friend. I hope to reunite with you wherever you are. Peace. ✌️
I did not meet Sam until Caitlin and I were freshman at BHS in 1992. Like everybody else I admired him for his warmth, sense of humor and generosity. It was from Sam the first time I heard the term “pull the trigger” to avoid hesitation/procrastination. Decades later I think of him when I say it now.
He will be missed.
Beautifully written. This perfectly captured the spirit of this spirited soul. His 24 years as the Executive Director of FOFMASS will long be remembered. I know I’ll never forget it. Sam will be grateful that there are walls of Marshall amps in heaven. And they go to 11! Turn it up!
Sam was a good egg! I’m very sad to hear of his death. Always a positive upbeat guy. I remember one highlight he talked about…getting to dance with Emmy Lou Harris at a concert! I forget if it was his band or hers! See you out in the Universe Sam!
Beautifully written. Sam was one of a kind and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and work with him.
What a wonderful person Sam was. He brought joy to everything. I was sorry to see him leave Marion Street (I lived around the corner). A life very well lived.
Beautifully written Caitlin. We here at Shepherds Cove enjoyed the short time we had with Sam, including those of us who got to play pool with him.
Clearly he was one of a kind and will be missed.
Karl Peters
I met Sam when our respective daughters suggested we play our guitars together, rather than alone. We met Sundays over coffee and within a year we were out playing as MidLife Chrysler. We did that for the best five years of my life. I think Sam felt the same way. Man do I miss Sam – he was all that is good in this crazy world.
Awesome risotto. Pipe cleaner creches. The search for purple guy. His love of Richard Thompson. Saving manatees. Balancing eggs with the seasons. These and many more, both serious and silly, are the little lights of happiness that his strong life force brought to us all. He will be missed.
I didn’t know Sam was ill and I am very sad to hear of his passing. He had an uplifting spirit about him and was a welcomed presence in any space. Another free spirit done gone on. Goodbye, Sam!
I spent 10 years working with Sam at VHFA. One of the nicest guys you could hope to meet. Funny, talented and kind.
This was so well written! I’m blessed to have known and worked with Sam. There was never a dull moment when Sam was around. His Ode’s, saving the manatees, intercom shenanigans, pipe cleaner animals and of course his egg balancing. I still have his Midlife Chrysler CD that he gave me when I left VHFA. You will be missed my friend, rest in peace.
An inspirational mentor Sam was, he taught all who met him to start living life with emotion.
Sam brought such spirit and friendliness to NERSC conferences. The world was a better place because of people like him. Sending condolences and prayers of comfort to all of his loved ones
I first met Sam while stationed at Westover Air Force Base outside of Springfield Mass. Upon discovering that we both played guitar, we rapidly became friends. With some other guys in the barracks, we put together the Bolivar Shagnasty Jug Band and performed at the bars and colleges in the Springfield area. Never made a dime but all of the laughs and good times were well worth it.
After leaving the Air Force, Sam settled down in Burlington, VT and we moved back to Philadelphia. We would meet Sam when he drove his beloved old Volvo to Cape May Point for his annual pilgrimage.
May you rest in peace, my friend. We miss you. Ciao!
I wish I had Sam’s talent to write an ode to this marvelous person. Although I first met Sam when he hired me to work at VHFA- although he was my bpss for years- it’s telling I don’t think of him in his office- he was so much more than s boss or coworker. I think of him playing music, sharing stories of his family whom he adores, dreaming up and executing mischief as well as kind acts, being creative and working hard to create affordable housing and make life better for many. I know my life was enhanced by knowing him. My heart goes out to jean and his family- thanks for sharing him. There are certainly many Sam stories being told and retold, and we know he’s rocking out with that great smile on his face.
I haven’t thought about the equinox egg balancing for a long time. RIP to a real one.
Sam, my friend and fellow musician. I just got this news today and immediately was flooded with great memories of time spent with this energetic and kind soul. We met when I first moved to Burlington in 1982. He gave me a clipping of one his prized plants, a Begonia I think, which I shared with many people over the years Of course he did the egg thing with me also. When I found out Sam played guitar and sang I invited him to my apartment in the Coach Barn at Shelburne Farms to join in a Jam Session. That was the beginning of a long and truly great friendship. Soar with the Angels my friend!
Sammy was my brother.
When he died, so did a part of me.
I loved him dearly.
I met Sam in grade school. We were always friends even though our interests went different ways after 9th grade at Jr. High School #2. He was a musical inspiration to me because of his great guitar skills at such a young age. Sam had many good friends that played music with him throughout the years and if all of them wrote their take about Sam, there would be a very long list of conversations from that collection of musicians. We never forget the people that positively affected our lives and Sam was one of them to me.
What a joy it was to live next door on Marion Street, with Dan and Sam creating thriving backyard gardens and heading out in the snow to collect Brussels Sprouts for New Year’s Eve dinner! And what about Sam walking back and forth down our driveway with his guitar – serenading us on the day before we moved out to Underhill…!?
It was sad to leave and over time to gradually lose touch, even sadder to see that he has now departed.
Gratitude for this beautiful tribute documenting his amzaing spirit and a life well lived.
I’m so grateful for Sam’s unending enthusiasm and creativity. I think of him every time I harvest or cultivate the plentiful horseradish that has grown from the cutting he gave me in 1987. Zesty all around!
Leah and I are heart broken to be hear of Sam’s passing. There are not enough words to describe our love for Sam. He was a wonderful man, business acquaintance but most of all a great friend. Leah and I always looked forward to seeing Sam at our conferences but most of all we enjoyed sharing time after the meetings to talk, but especially to share laughter and music together. What fun times we had!Sam you will be so missed. You were a gift to all of us who knew and loved you. May your family and friends be blesssd with the fond memories you graced us with.
Please let us know the date and time of Sam’s memorial service. We would be honored to attend.
Alan and Leah Sharkey
I’m so deeply saddened to learn of Sam’s passing. Sam was a deeply inspiring and charismatic presence in our lives when he and family moved next door on Marian Street in 1980.
His band practiced in our basement. He celebrated the joy of the birth of our son, Toby, for which he provided so much love and support. We did reconnect briefly a year ago after his move to Maine. So grateful to have known Sam, he will always be “present”.
Dick & Linda Aronson
What a beautiful and fitting tribute! Jean, Joseph and families, may this outpouring of love and support of so many bring you some comfort in these difficult times.
Sam and I were childhood friends growing up together in Trenton, NJ. After High School we connected a few times in our 20’s and then reunited a few years ago just as he and Jean were planning their move to Kittery. I remember reuniting with Sam in Cape May having not seen him for nearly 45 years. We hugged, broke bread and shared nonstop memories. His warm smile was as huge and welcoming as I had recalled from our school days. Sam was deservedly among the most admired kids in all of Trenton HS. I am deeply grateful for the few more times we met up over the past couple of years.
Sam, I have located a prominent space in our backyard where we plan to grow you a fig tree as a memory of your fig tree in Cape May from which you proudly shared so many great figs with me. Looking forward to sharing the harvest with you my friend!