Samuel Jerome Ha, 77, died Tuesday Aug 7 2012 from complications of cancer in Lancaster, PA.  He graduated from Swarthmore College in 1957 and earned his PhD in marine biology from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science in 1973.  In 1971, he began a 27 year career at Millersville University which lasted until his retirement in 1998.  He served as Chair of the MU Biology Department from 1985 to 1990 and Chair of the Faculty Senate from 1987 to 1990.  He was also a driving force in the development of the Marine Science Consortium, an organization dedicated to marine biology education where he taught and served on the Board for many years.  He was especially proud of his role in helping students go on to graduate school.  Following his retirement, he volunteered at the Landis Valley Museum and the Lititz Library.

Sam was passionate about his family, about boating in the Florida Keys, and about introducing his students to travel throughout the United States.  He had numerous hobbies and enjoyed pursuing many of them in his retirement.  Sam is survived by his wife Margaret, sons James, Steve, Thomas, Daniel and Peter, daughters-in-law Renee, Sharon, Maria and Angela, grandchildren Christopher, Zachary and Andrew, and sister Sandra.  There will be no service at the request of the deceased, but a memorial will be held at Millersville University this fall: contact the Biology Department.  Donations can be sent to the Don R. Nelson Scholarship Fund (American Elasmobranch Society [AES], c/o Americhoice FCU, 2175 Bumble Bee Hollow Rd., Mechanicsburg PA 17055, Attn. Donald R. Nelson Fund). To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100