We have been honored to call this man our Brother. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brothers.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:

Samuel Padjen ‘65

Samuel “Sam” Keith Padjen

Samuel “Sam” Keith Padjen, age 79, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away at home on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Sam was born on Friday, August 20, 1943, in Carlisle to the late Samuel Padjen and Margaret (Hartz) Padjen.

Sam’s survivors include his wife of 50 years, Nancy Ruth (Drinkwater) Padjen; his son, Andrew “Andy” James Padjen of Arlington Heights, Illinois; his daughter, Amy Rebecca Schweisthal and her husband, Chris, of Columbus, Ohio; his two grandchildren: Christopher Jeremiah Schweisthal and Sophia Elaine Schweisthal; his sister, Idana Beck and her husband, James “Jim”, of Camp Hill; and five nephews.

Sam graduated from Carlisle High School as part of the class of 1961 and from Penn State University (Go Nits!), where he was a member of the Omega Chapter of Theta Chi. For his entire career, Sam worked as a sales manager for Carlisle Tire & Rubber Company. During retirement in Mechanicsburg, he and his wife Nancy attended West Shore Free Church and were actively involved in their Logos Fellowship Class and Life Group. He volunteered at New Hope Ministries, played in two golf leagues, participated in a couples book club with Nancy, and enjoyed feeding the birds (especially the orioles) in his backyard. Sam will be deeply missed.

All are welcome to join Sam’s family at his viewing on Friday, September 9, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a service beginning at 11:45 a.m. all at West Shore Free Church, 1345 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Russ Allen officiating. Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Sam’s life can be made to New Hope Ministries, 5228 East Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, www.nhm-pa.org/ways-to-give; Bethesda Mission, P.O. Box 3041, Harrisburg, PA 17105, www.BethesdaMission.org/Take-Action/Donate; or West Shore Free Church, 1345 Williams Grove Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, www.westshorefree.org.

Sam’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Sam’s full obituary, view his memorial video, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.

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Chapter Eternal - Samuel Padjen '65