Wilder, VT – Wilder, VT Samuel Harold Zucker 80 died at Dartmouth Health Hospital in Lebanon, New Hampshire on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 following a heart attack at home.
Sam was born April 14, 1945 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Eva R. Smith and Julius A. Zucker. He attended Pawtucket schools graduating from Pawtucket West in 1963. Sam was a Vietnam veteran, serving with the US Coast Guard in the Pacific Theater in the mid-60s. After his honorable discharge in 1969 he attended Coyne Electrical and Technical School. Having worked his way through Northeastern University, he graduated with honors (Bachelor in Engineering Technology) in 1976.
Sam moved to NYC to work for American Electric Power. In 1980 he left engineering to assist with the start-up of a family-owned restaurant in Manhattan, JJ Applebaum’s. He stayed on for 18 years. In 1982 he married Mary Fish. They lived in Tenafly, New Jersey for 15+ years. After a sojourn in North Carolina they moved to Vermont where Sam resumed his career in engineering. His first job was with UAI in Essex, where they bought a house. In 2004 Dartmouth College made him an offer and he became the “lighting guy” retiring in 2015. His years at Dartmouth were among his happiest; working on fulfilling projects with colleagues he considered his friends. After retirement, he and Mary remained in the Upper Valley where Sam was very involved with the Roth Center on the Dartmouth campus and with the Jefferey S. Holmes American Legion Post 84, White River Junction where he was the Sargent at Arms.
He leaves Mary, his wife of 43 years. Sam will be missed by many. Sister Donna Zucker of Denver, Colorado. Sister Harriet “Honey” Krasnoff, her husband Charlie of Lake Worth, Florida and their children: Jay Krasnoff, Lisa Krasnoff Halprin; Murray Krasnoff and his wife Tonya; Joanne Krasnoff and her husband Shawn McDougall. Sister Diane Sudakoff and her husband Karl of Alpine, New Jersey and their children: Lee Sudakoff and her husband Mike Shugars; Dale Sudakoff and her husband Dana Volpe. Sam was predeceased by his younger sister, Susanne Zucker of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He was the caring stepfather of Aaron Rabinowitz, partner Marisa Keselica. Sam was fortunate to have many special cousins, among them: Remmie and Margie Brown, Michael and Marilyn Smith, Don and Julie Friedman. He is remembered with affection by his sister-in-law, Claudia Fish and other members of the Fish and related families. Many in the Upper Valley have expressed their appreciation and respect.
Burial was in Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick, Rhode Island. Shalom Memorial Chapel, Cranston, Rhode Island was responsible for the funeral and other arrangements. There will be a local gathering for Upper Valley friends. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite cause.
The family would like to thank the Roth Center for their care and support during this time. Mary would like to thank all of those who have been in touch. Your kindness and support have meant a great deal. And thank you to the Hartford Fire Department EMTs.
May his memory be a blessing.
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