Samuel N. Begg

Samuel Nicklaus Begg passed away May 29, 2023. The third child of Emil and Mary (Bucar) Begg, Sam was born December 17, 1938. Sam was a graduate of Swissvale High School, Carnegie Institute of Technology (BS in Metallurgical Engineering and where he was ROTC), and Duquesne University (MBA).

After serving as an engineer at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he began his career as a metallurgist at Jones and Laughlin Steel. Sam quickly jumped at the chance to join a training program at IBM, designed to train engineers to sell computer systems (at that time these systems were the size of an entire room!). Launched from IBM, Sam’s professional career traversed many computer and technical integration firms and brought him across Pennsylvania from Pittsburgh to Lansdale and finally to Ellicott City, Maryland in 1976.

Sam and his wife Sheila (McCarthy) married August 1,1964. They built a beautiful life together. They delighted in raising their daughters and enjoyed encouraging and supporting their grandchildren. Throughout their life together they focused on visiting more than two dozen countries, including their frequent trips to Bermuda. A high priority in their 58-year marriage was the sustenance of several multi-decade friendships with couples met throughout their life together.

An avid student of history and culture, Sam was a voracious reader and was alway eager to discuss a well-crafted book. Sam sought out and appreciated engaging and energetic debates.  Sam and Sheila were alway available to host or join a party, share a drink, enjoy a good meal; in each instance, they always were the center of a lively conversation.  Sam loved Forest Hill Swim Club, all sports - most notably golf, tennis, and Formula One. Above all, Sam loved the Steelers.

Sam is survived by his wife, Sheila, and their two daughters, Amy (Thomas) De Groff and Heather (John) Cheshire. Sam has four grandchildren - Hannah and Darren De Groff and Evelyn and Corinne Cheshire.

The third of seven children Sam is also survived by four siblings Emil Begg, Mitzi Pair, Irene Begg and Daniel (Kathy) Begg; he is also survived by his beloved sister-in-law Maryellen (Mickey) McCarthy McLane.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider honoring Sam's memory by making a contribution to one of the following organizations.

The Begg family is deeply grateful for the compassion shown to them by the Howard County General nursing staff who cared for Sam in his final moments. They were professional, communicative, and clearly working to help us. Please help us support nurses at Howard County General Hospital . 

https://secure.jhu.edu/form/give

Sam enjoyed his tenure as a Howard County Summer Theatre actor. He called himself wallpaper - as he was often in the ensemble and along a back row - but his lovely voice and big smile made the show all that more bright. Please honor him by making a donation (to support production costs and scholarships for actors in training) to this valued community group

Checks can be made to: Howard County Summer Theatre and sent to: HCST, c/o Amy Curran, Treasurer, 9553 Joey Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21042

http://howardcountysummertheatre.weebly.com/contact-us

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Samuel N. Begg, please visit our Tree Store.