Sam Stern

Samson Bertram Stern, recently of Woods Pond in Bridgton and Chevy Chase, Md., passed away at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md. on Tuesday, June 28, 2016, after 99 blessed years. His son, Andrew, was at his side.

Born in Indiana in 1917, the family soon settled in Biddeford, where Sam lived until he was 17 and then moved to Washington, D.C. He enlisted in the army in World War II, and after the war, he built an office furniture business that employed hundreds and had stores in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Sam bought a house on Woods Pond with his beloved, late wife, Frances in 1977. He cherished the time he spent there with his family and friends and all the friends he made in the Town of Bridgton. He was the unofficial “Mayor of Woods Pond.” Sam loved to fish and was a fierce defender of Woods Pond, contributing generously and repeatedly to a boat washing station, water quality testing, and pollution control efforts on the lake.

He is survived by his three sons, Andrew, Jeffrey and Ross; four grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Sam loved Bridgton and the Lake Region and had many friends throughout the area. He loved to entertain and was always quick with an amusing anecdote. Lucid to the end, Sam passed quickly and peacefully.

Interment took place Thursday, June 30, at B’Nai Tzedek in Potomac, Md., followed by interment at King David Memorial Gardens, Falls Church, Va., and a celebration of life at Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Md. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the charity of your choice.

May his memory be a blessing. Condolences may be made at www.sagelbloomfield.com