Samuel S. Deitrick, 71, a lifelong resident of Sunbury, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

He was born Oct. 10, 1953, in Sunbury, the son of the late Dr. George A. and Sabina M. (Cortellini) Deitrick Jr.

Sam was graduated from Shikellamy High School class of 1971 and Mercersburg Academy. He had attended Juniata College and was graduated from The George Washington University with honors in history. History remained his passion throughout his life.

Sam was both a political observer and participant. He served the people of Northumberland County for three terms as a Northumberland County Commissioner, including as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners from 1996-1999 and again from 2004-2007. During his tenure as Commissioner, he oversaw the creation of the Northumberland County 911 Emergency Response System which was a major achievement. He also served as Northumberland County Jury Commissioner and had been the Northumberland County Republican Committee Chairman. Sam was also the elected delegate from Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district to the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City. At the conclusion of the convention, Sam traveled to Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York to visit President Theodore Roosevelt's home and the summer White House, Sagamore Hill, where a National Park Service Ranger remarked to him that he was the only delegate to visit the site.

Sam actively pursued economic development in Northumberland County through his memberships on the Northumberland County Conservation District, Workforce Investment Board, SEDA-COG, Economic Development Council of Central Pennsylvania, the Northumberland-Montour Airport Commission, and the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Sam was active in many Sunbury community organizations. He was a life member and Past Master of F&AM Lodge 22. He was a life member of the Americus Hose Company, Elks Lodge No. 267, Moose Lodge No. 181 and Eagles Lodge No. 503. He was an active member of the Sunbury Social Club, the Northumberland Fire Company No. 1 and a life member of the Northumberland Hook and Ladder Company. His interests in local history extended to life membership in the Northumberland County Historical Society and the Snyder County Historical Society. He had served as an original and active member of the board of the H. Blanche Savidge Community Trust Fund until his passing.

Sam was an avid sportsman. He was a member of the American Bowling Congress 700 Club and had bowled multiple 300 games. An accomplished, well known and respected pool shooter, he competed and won many local pool tournaments over the years. A competitive golfer and former captain of the Shikellamy team during high school, he had played since childhood, logged two holes in one in a single summer and was a long time member of the Susquehanna Valley Country Club. He was also a member of the Union County Sportsmen's Club.

Sam is survived by his brothers, George III (Tara) and Charles (Karen Ashdale); sisters, Louise and Sabina (Steve Begler); three nephews, Carl Spigelmeyer, Christopher Spigelmeyer, George Begler; and two nieces, Melanie Clabaugh and Taryn Deitrick Santora), along with three grandnieces and four grandnephews.

Family and friends are welcome from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, at the Joseph W. Epler Funeral Home, 210 King St., Northumberland. A funeral service will be conducted at Zion Lutheran Church in Sunbury beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. A Masonic service, Lodge 22 Sunbury F&AM will be held at the church prior to the church service.

Internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church or the charity of choice.