Samuel Scott Copenhaver

Samuel Scott Copenhaver, 58, of Reading, PA (Stony Creek Mills), passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the Reading Hospital on November 24, 2021.

He was beloved son of Laura (née Day) Copenhaver and the late Walter Copenhaver, Sr.  Sam is one of 10 children, survived by brothers Floyd “Sparky” (Brunhilda) of Kissimmee, FL, Walter Jr “Billy” (Jonnie) of Reinholds, PA, Harold “Harry” of Laureldale, PA, John (Cynthia) of Laurel Springs, PA, Randolph “Randy” (Bonnie) of Bernville, PA, and sisters Patricia (Artenberg) of NY, Margaret “Maggie” (Richard Delp) of Lorane, PA, and Geneva of Stony Creek Mills, PA.  Pre-deceased by brother Daniel who died in infancy.  He is also a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Exeter Senior High School.  As a child, he attended Overbrook School for the Blind near Philadelphia where he learned to read braille, life skills, and techniques to help with his blindness that he developed at the age 5 due to hydrocephalus he had since birth.  Over a 30 year span, he went to Michigan to be paired with three leader dogs with the assistance of the Lions Club.  His faithful service dogs were Penny, Muffy, and Fancy which he took great pride to care for them.  When young, he walked for miles with his leader dog and was well known at the local Antietam Swimming Pool. 

Despite his limitations and continual pain, he loved life and outlived his life expectancy of two.  He was compassionate, thoughtful of others, and had a superb memory.  He loved the nostalgic shows such as The Flintstones, The Jeffersons, Jeopardy, Gilligan’s Island, Happy Days, and Sanford and Son to name a few.  One of his favorite sayings was “Oh, It’s the Big One!” and then would give a hearty laugh. 

Sam loved classic country music and was able to mimic the voices like Elvis, Charlie Pride, The Statler Brothers and knew all the words.  He always was ready with a quick joke and loved to laugh.  His laughter and smile was contagious.  He was a great friend to all that knew him.  

The family is appreciative of several agencies that supported in his care since 2012 providing home health aide and therapy services to help him remain independent in his apartment where he lived for over 30 years.

Sammy had strong faith of the resurrection into a paradise earth and the promise of no more pain, where the blind shall see, the lame will walk again, and death will be no more. 

Due to the ongoing pandemic, relatives and friends are invited to attend Sammy’s memorial service on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom Meeting: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88049681276

Meeting ID: 880 4968 1276

Passcode: 086003

Your condolences and remembrances posted here on the Tribute Wall are welcomed.