Sam Zuidema

Samuel J. Zuidema, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2020, after a life well lived and full of love.

Sam grew up in North Haledon, NJ, and attended Calvin College in Michigan before becoming an elementary school teacher in Paterson, NJ.  He spent his entire career at School Number 6 where he gained many valuable friends and strived to make a difference in the lives of his pupils.  In the 1970s he and others created a small camp group for students called The Ravens, which exposed city students to the great outdoors and activities such as canoeing, hiking, and camping.  He was also a member of the Do Good House, a nonprofit local charity that raises scholarship funds for area high school seniors.

He was a true outdoorsman and lover of nature, who also became a part owner of Greenwood Lake Sports in the 1980s, a sporting good store in West Milford that sold fishing and hunting equipment.  He loved to fish, especially on Green Pond Lake, which he regarded as one of the nicest lakes in New Jersey.  Golf was another activity he enjoyed, which enabled him to be outside in the fresh air and closer to nature and the random deer, rabbit, or other animal that might pass through the fairway.

He was married twice, the first of which resulted in his two sons, Samuel “Dean” Zuidema and Russell Craig Zuidema.  Dean and his wife Christine live in Green Pond, NJ with their children, and Russell lives in upstate NY.  Russell shares the same love of the outdoors as Sam did.

With his second marriage he gained a step-son, Nicholas Manzi, whom he never treated like a “step-son” and always like a son.  That marriage also resulted in his only daughter, Samantha Jean Zuidema, whom he affectionately called “Murph” from time to time.  Nick and his wife Annette live in Hawthorne, NJ with their children, and Samantha lives in Florida and Manhattan – traveling back and forth to work in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.  He loved and was proud of all his children, but as the only girl and the youngest, Samantha had a special place in his heart.

He cherished his five grandchildren Tyler, Hunter, Bailey, Nicholas, and Carly.  He was proud of them and loved them dearly, and always supported and attended their activities with fondness and devotion.

After his second marriage Sam had a longtime companion, Lorraine Cece, who was the love of his life.  Their relationship opened him up to more good times, friends, family and experiences.  He and Lorraine supported each other through good and difficult times.  His best years were when he had her in his life – and his children are grateful that Lorraine and he shared so much time together.

Sam was one of six children, and is survived by his sister and her husband, Lois and Harry Prins, his brother Norman Zuidema and his wife Kathy, and his brother Roger Zuidema.  He was pre-deceased by his brother William Zuidema and sister Wilhelmina Dyksen.  He had a particularly close relationship with Roger, with whom he painted houses, fished, camped, golfed, and had a lot of great times through the years.

He also had numerous nephews and nieces, two of whom he regarded as part of his immediate family; Roger Christian Zuidema and Dr. Arthur J. DeMarsico.  They were a constant presence in his life, and were part of the “Cuz Connection” which enjoyed so many fun times with him.

Sam faced some difficult medical issues in the latter part of his life, which he fought through and overcame again and again like a cat with nine lives.  He was always optimistic and positive, and never wanted to complain or be a burden to those that loved him.  He was proud, honest, funny, and always grateful for what God provided him.  His was a life well lived and well loved – which is comforting to his friends and family during this time of loss.