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.”