Obituaries

Samuel L. “Sam” Bigler, 78

July 01, 2025

Samuel L. “Sam” Bigler, 78, of Millersville met Jesus on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Columbia, PA he was the son of the late Samuel S. Bigler and Elaine (Smith) Smith. He was the loving husband of Cynthia (Artz) Bigler with whom he shared over 39 years of marriage. In addition, Sam is survived by a son Samuel Evan Bigler, a brother, Tom (Beth) Bigler, two sisters, Kate (Bill) Ness and Mary Haldeman; in laws, Susan (Mark) Channell, Stephen Artz all of Lancaster and Bill (Maureen) Artz of Bucks County, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sam began lifting weights at a very young age in the King’s garage. After graduating from Columbia H.S. in 1965, Sam enlisted in the US Army (1966-1969). Stationed in Germany, Sam lifted on the German weightlifting team to encourage good relations with the US and Europe. Sam earned many titles and awards, national and international. He is a member of several Sports Hall of Fames. Sam achieved his ultimate goal when he became a member of the 1976 US Olympic Weightlifting Team, competing in Montreal, Canada.

After the Olympics, Sam attended Millersville State College, graduating in 1973 with a BS in Education and 1976 with a M.Ed., including a Reading Specialist Cert. It was at MSC that Sam met his wife, Cindy. Sam taught at Penn Manor SD, then spent 33 years at Thaddeus Stevens College. He taught and mentored many at-risk students to successful futures.

Beginning in the early 80s, Sam and Cindy invested in many properties to build a rental business. Sam’s favorite was renovating old warehouses into unique living spaces. He was a creative visionary well before it became popular.

Sam was extremely generous, donating to many causes, giving clothing and coats to those in need, paying for others meals unbeknownst to them and many more. He served his Millersville community on the Zoning Hearing Board and as a Republican Committee person, among others. One of his favorites was serving as a mentor on the Lancaster County Veteran’s Court. He thrived seeing others improve and advance.

God blessed Sam and Cindy with the precious gift of a son, Evan. Sam was a devoted father, balancing love with discipline and kindness. Evan brought much joy into their lives.

Sam and Cindy were grateful to have the opportunity to travel in Europe several times. While Sam did not have much time for hobbies, he did like collecting unusual chronographs.

With all Sam’s achievements, the greatest gift God gave Sam is Jesus. While worshipping at Bethany EC Church, Sam’s faith grew tremendously. He is now resting in our Lord’s eternal grace.

Please join us in a Celebration of Sam’s Life at Grace Community Church of Willow Street, 212 Peach Bottom Rd, Willow Street, PA 17584 on Sat. July 19th. Visitation beginning at 9am, service at 10:30, followed by a luncheon and fellowship. Interment will be private.

“What you are is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift to God.”

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Condolences to the Family

August 26, 2025

I used to lift and hang out with Sam in Germany (1967-1968).  He was a great person and a great olympic lifter.  He was gifted and a special leader.  I have followed his career over the years and will never forget him. Roger Krueger

July 20, 2025

Cindy, 
Tom and I want to express, our deepest sympathy to you, Evan, and the rest of your family. We didn’t not even know that Sam was ill. You will be remembered in prayer in the days to come. May our Lord comfort you and give you peace and try to remember that you will be reunited with him one day in heaven, which is so much to look forward to! 
Lisa Buckius 

July 18, 2025

Sam was always investing himself in those who couldn’t repay him. We are grateful for his contributions at Penn Manor, Thadeus Stevens, Millersville Borough, and the community. You will be missed Sam! Greg & Maria Pettis

July 18, 2025

I was at Millersville from 1970 to 1975.  Sam was a big part of any success I had on the track team (discus).  I had the form needed for for discus but needed strength.  Sam had me doing things I never would have found out on my own.  One thing he had us do was running sprints up the extremely steep hill in front of Pusillo.  As he did with others, he gave me keys to his gym.  I looked up to him.  He was a good friend.  I had not seen Sam for many years.  Two years ago I went to the Millersville Sports Hall of Fame dinner.  The reason I wanted to go was I was hoping I would see Sam there.  He was there.  We got to talk and we had a picture taken.  That picture means a lot to me.  Sam is now in that joyous state that Billy Graham described…..”Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead.  Don’t you believe a word of it.  I shall be more alive than I am now.  I will just have changed my address.  I will have gone into the presence of God”. Scott Wagner

July 17, 2025

RIP Sam Bigler 
 
Hi, I am Lucas Harver, I am so sorry for your loss and I’d like to extend my biggest condolences to the Bigler family. Sam was my mentor in Lancaster County Veterans Court for the last few years. Actually he is still my mentor if that’s ok… I say “is” because what Sam did for me, what Sam so generously gave me in my darkest times of need will forever change my life and who I am. For that I am extremely thankfulful.  Sam kept his distance for the most part but always had words of encouragement or at least the look that he knew what lesson you had just learned..lol
Sometimes he had enough time for a quick story, but not too long.. That man had ‘stuff to do’ and people to see. lol However he was always full of good advise, and kind words. He always seemed to love it when we would use his quarry. A little particular and stern like any good Dad, but I could tell it made him happy to know people were enjoying them selves. 
  Having that place as my sanctuary for the last three years is something that could never be replaced. I have found so much good in my heart since then and a lot of it, I know, is from having a paradise to go to right down the street. Time to escape from the world and focus on myself and the people I love has brought me so much joy today. I found God once again there, maybe for the first real time to be honest, crying in a hammock staring at his beautiful landscape. Here I found the courage to reconnect with my father who I hadn’t spoke to in years, now we speak every week. I love him. There I had a place  to bring my daughter, and get back some of our bonding time that we had lost. There I paced and paced around in circles until finally, I got the courage to kiss my new love for the first time in a chair next to the fire pit. Someday i think I would marry that girl right there given the chance. I saw Gods new vision of me, of the new life that he says I deserve and I am loving every minute of it! 
I’m so glad I got to speak to Sam on the phone a little before he was gone. A few months ago I was able to tell Sam that I finally found someone to do my bi cep surgery. He had had the same surgery in the past He was adamant about finding someone to do it since I was having trouble. I think he would have gone to the surgeon’s house if I let him. Lol But I’m glad I was at least able to have a positive conversation assure him I was going to be taken care of.  And that I would clean up after myself and lock the gate. I had no idea it would be the last time I spoke with him, but it was a good one. He happened to died on my birthday and I will never forget him. I’m so sorry for your loss. 
If there is ever anything I, or my fellow Veterans could ever do for Sam, the quarry, or your family. Please, please let me know and we will be there. I will be there Saturday as well and I am praying for your family in this time of grief. Thank you so much, and thank God for Sam Bigler. 
         Sincerely US Army Sgt.Lucas Harver

July 16, 2025

I knew Sam at Lowe’s store as he was  customer. Since I knew he was in properties investment, every time I had questions about the rental he always helped me with his heart and knowledge.  He was very kind and nice to me. I will miss him.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Hoa Huynh

July 14, 2025

Thinking of you – Sam was a kind and thoughtful man – gone too soon – my prayers are with you 
Becky Brown

July 13, 2025

My condolences to you, Cindy and your family . I remember Sam from Millersville
Sandi ZiemerBair 
OTS(omega theta sigma)

July 10, 2025

Sam Bigler was a friend and colleague from day one almost 30 years ago at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. We used to compare and chat a lot about our watch collections. He had a heart for the underdogs at the Tech. He took pride in seeing these students succeed. Evan, you and your mother have my deepest sympathy and prayers. He will be missed.
Dr. Vincent Miles

July 10, 2025

Sam is one of the most brilliant men I’ve ever worked for.The creative ideas that he came up with..An awesome boss.I never thought we’d lose you like this..Heaven has a special place for you.i miss you…He taught me so much.i am so sorry for your loss miss Cindy and Evan..He’ll watch over you.i believe that.
Lori emmerich

July 10, 2025

Sam was a wonderful coach and advisor of life. He encouraged strength and flexibility training to promote success and longevity in running and other cardio sports. He had opinions and perspectives that provoked a lot of thought.
I began working out in his garage in the alley of the George St house and then helped with the move of the gym over to Wabank Rd. He had a combination lock for access that allowed me to lift before school. 
He was a driver of my decision to go to Oregon and he likely has something to do with the fact my career is in real estate.  Thank you Sam, may you rest in peace. Dave Henry

July 10, 2025

Many track athletes at the ville had Sam to thank for making us the excellent track athletes we became thru his help with our weight training. God bless his family in this difficult time  Joel Hoffsmith

July 10, 2025

Sam Bigler inspired students at Penn Manor High School. He made a difference. Though I did not know him well, I admired him. I  offer sincere condolences to his family.  Marianne Sullivan

July 10, 2025

My condolences to the family of Sam Bigler. Sam was an inspiration to me. Every Sunday since meeting him he was always encouraging and uplifting me when I needed it most. Sam will not be forgotten. I know he touched many lives. He made the world around him better. Thank you Sam. Stephen Bowen

July 10, 2025

It has been a blessing getting to know you both.  He was always smiling. Willing to help and always talking to the kids. We will miss him.  Jessica Shultz

July 09, 2025

I worked with Sam for many years at Thaddeus Stevens. He lived the mission of the college every where he went helping students in class and out. You left a legacy, Sam. You will be missed, and you will be remembered.  Laurie Grove

July 07, 2025

It was my honor and pleasure to know Sam for a short time. He was an important part of the veteran’s court and helped many while with us. I/we will miss him.  My condolences to you and your family. Dan Natividad

July 07, 2025

I also worked with Sam at Stevens and frequently ran into him at Lowes. I always enjoyed talking to Sam. He wsa a colorful character and he always made it a point to say hello when he was in the area, usually tracking down or checking up on students. His contribitions to Stevens, weight lifting and real estate accomplishments were highly admirable. Sincere condolences to the family.  Kevin Flory

July 07, 2025

I worked with Sam At Stevens.  He referred to himself as a “facilitator”.  His connections helped with  financing the purchase of our farm.  He shared insights regarding regulations related to buildings and properties when I needed advice.  Sam enjoyed talking with students, and meeting people.  My husband and I kayaked at the quarry, one of Sam’s unique projects.    I have many memories of Sam, and remember him as happy.  He spoke highly of his wife and son. My condolences to his family.  May your memories sustain you through this difficult time.  
Deb Schuch

July 07, 2025

Sue and I would like to extend our condolences to Cindy and the family. We knew both of them while attending MU in the mid to late 70’s.
Terry spisak

July 06, 2025

Sam was a caring faculty member, mentor and my friend.He made a positive difference in the lives of countless students which will be part of his living legacy.
William Griscom

July 06, 2025

So sorry for your loss. He’s at peace now. Sam will be truly missed and remembered for all he did. May memories always keep him alive in your heart
Nancy Doak

July 06, 2025

Rest in peace Sam. So sad to hear of your passing. We met at a Columbia football game at Gladfelters Field when we were 12 and continued as lifelong friends although I haven’t seen you for 15 years. I remember those early days when you first started weight training and going to King’s and York Barbell Club with you and your amazing ongoing achievements in life. Sending sincere condolences to your family.
Darlene (Smith) McManus

July 06, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bigler family. Sam will truly be missed. Sam was an amazing man and friend. 
Mike & Joanne Burke

July 06, 2025

Sam became a friend through my late husband, Coach Carl “Chick” Kane, and also as a fellow student in the reading certification course at Millersville. He was a kind and helpful person and an excellent teacher. Chick and I valued his friendship deeply, and I was very sorry to read of his passing. Chick passed away just a couple of weeks ago, and I like to think that perhaps he and Sam have found each other again and are watching over those of us who are still here.
Lana Kane and family

July 06, 2025

Sam was a wonderful man to have know for many years My husband worked on projects with Sam and the friendship began. He was always there for us. I will miss him because I could count on him if I needed help. That’s the kind of person he was for us. He is with God ! Frances A Sanchez

July 06, 2025

Sam helped my son in the middle seventies to read. He was a very dedicated peron. I did not meet him until in the nineties but he was everything I expected him to be. May he say in the heart of his family and also in the heart of all his students that he helped over the years. Rest in peace Sam.
 
Toni Bowman and son Troy Haun

July 06, 2025

How sad to read of Sam Bigler’s decease.  His weight-lifting guidance to me was of a great valuable in my marathoning days.  The same can be said regarding his advice to many others as well.   May he rest in peace.  Karl E. Moyer

July 06, 2025

I will remember him with many fond memories.  Thoughts and prayers are coming to you and all your family.  Mike Gettle

July 06, 2025

We are sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Mike was a roommate of Sam at Millersville. We have maintained contact with him and Cindy throughout the years. May God grant each of you the peace and comfort that you need in the days, months and years to come. Again our sympathies go out to you  Cathy & Mike Gettle

Visitation
Saturday, July 19, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Grace Community Church
212 Peach Bottom Road
Willow Street, PA 17584
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Services
Saturday, July 19, 2025
10:30 AM
Grace Community Church
212 Peach Bottom Road
Willow Street, PA 17584
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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