October 15, 2009
Williamsburg Christian
Academy will always appreciate the times Samuel came to share his
story with our students. We will miss a great man very very much!
October 15, 2009
Dear Althaus family,
Mr. Althaus' friends at the N.N. Costco shall miss him very much. He was
always very kind to Dennis, Allen and me. He shall never be forgotten by
those whos lives he touched.
*takes 3 small stones and places them on his memorial marker*
October 15, 2009
To All the Althaus family,
Sam Althaus, a true gentleman and American Patriot, embodied the spirit of
the Phoenix. Reborn in the USA, Sam turned a love for life into a life of
love. Every time I visited Althaus Deli, I felt like part of the family
and sensed the genuine love Sam had for his customers, friends and
employees. His smile will be missed. So Where is God? It may just be that
God is at this moment sharing a Reuben with chips, crunchy kosher pickle
and a Dr. Brown's Creme Soda with one of his finest creations, Sam
Althaus.
May God continue to bless all who knew him. With deepest sympathies,
October 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are
with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
~ Unsigned
October 15, 2009
May G=d hold you in the Palm of
his hand and his angels watch over you for an eternity.
October 15, 2009
We will never forget the
wonderful meals and lively conversations with Sam at the deli. Our thoughts
and prayers are with you.
~ Jim and Angela
Wilson
October 15, 2009
Dear Marian and Family, Sam
was a Virginia Icon of wisdom, culinary talent, and support to all he
embraced. He fed many tables on occasions like this, and for happy times
like Weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvah Celebrations, Anniversaries, Business
Holiday Parties and you name it, he and Irvin were there with delicious deli
platters. and much, much more. I would call and say, "I need something for
my Mom, my Aunt " and he would have it ready for me to pick up whenever I
got there. And it was always quality. This community has lost a great soul
whose story is for future generations to respect and preserve. I love you,
Sam,
Sincerely,
~ Joanne Kates Roos,
Yorktown, Virginia
October 15, 2009
I am so sad to hear of Sam's
passing! When I feel life is hard or unfair, I pull out his book "Where is
God?" and try, for a moment, to carry his burden and feel his strength. I
am thankful to have met him, and even more thankful that my son got to
meet him and was honored to call him friend. To his family, I say, how
lucky you are to have had him in your lives! May your memories of him
bring you joy and light, even during this difficult time.
October 15, 2009
Marian & Harry,
Our condolences to you all this day. We will miss "Big Guy" very much.
We are traveling back to Newport News today from South Carolina.
Will stop by this weekend.
Our love to you,
~ "Little Guy" and Nancy
October 15, 2009
Sam's wisdom and enthusiasm
will sorely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Marian, Harry and
his entire family.
October 15, 2009
Sam was a wonderful man -
caring and giving; a true inspiration.
My deepest condolences.
October 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are
with the Althaus family at this time. When I was in high school, Mr.
Althaus invited me into his home and allowed me to interview him for an
assignment for my school paper about his experiences as a Holocaust
survivor. I will never forget his generosity, patience and kindness. May
you find comfort in your memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
October 15, 2009
Sam was a man of great wit,
knowledge and grace. I remember as a boy going to Althaus Deli [near the
Newmarket Bowl] whenever my family and I would vacation from West
Virginia.
His deli had the best stuff. He and his family were the best hosts of any
eatery in Newport News. When the deli shutdown, we mourned its closure.
Now that Sam has gone to our Lord, I mourn and pray that his family be
comforted- that his legacy live on well beyond our time in this world. He
saw the worst side of mankind; he experienced the best of humanity, for he
contributed so much to everyone around him. Shalom, Sam; shalom.
October 15, 2009
The Althaus family is in my
thoughts and prayers at this time. When I was in high school, Mr.
Althaus invited me into his home and allowed me to interview him about
his experiences as a Holocaust survivor for the school newspaper. I will
never forget his generosity of spirit, patience and kindness. May Hashem
comfort you in this time of loss.
October 15, 2009
Sam will be truly missed by
those he came in contact with. Will miss his many dinners he cooked when I
came home to visit.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your
memories bring you comfort.
October 15, 2009
About 10 years ago Mr. Althaus
spoke to my Rotary Club about his experiences in the concentration camps.
I will never forget him. His talk had the most profound effect on me of
any speech I ever heard. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the
loss of this remarkable and brave man. The world needs more people like
him.
October 15, 2009
I will always remember Sam as
the OSC salad man. From the very first day I started working at the
office in 2002, he was so very friendly. He always kissed me on both
cheeks and talked with me every day when I saw him. He is wonderful! I
am thankful to have known him. One of the quotes I will never forget is
when he would say to Ruth and me all the time, "I don't cheat, I don't
lie, and I don't play games". That's our Sam. My condolences go out to
Sam's family and my prayers are with you all. He will be greatly missed.
October 15, 2009
Marian, Harry and family, It
was an honor to have Sam as a friend and I will miss him. Please let me
know if I can do anything for you all.
Love
October 15, 2009
Sam and my dad were good
friends and whenever I would see Sam, he treated me like I was his own
daughter. I am sad but so very grateful to have received his love. My
prayers are with his family and all who loved him.
October 15, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the
Althaus family. Sam was a very special person in my life, a friend,
brother, father, my right hand. He was one of a kind, and I thank God for
making him part of my life. I will always love you, Sam, and may you rest
in peace. You will always be in my heart. Toni
October 15, 2009
Bucky and I wish to convey our
deepest sympathy to the whole family. Sam was truly an inspiration to us
all. He was a shining example of kindness, humility, and most of all love of
country and freedom. May God bless you all.
~ Judge and Mrs. Robert
Yacobi
October 15, 2009
Marian and Family,
We are so shocked and saddened at learning of the loss of Sam. He was such
a good friend, mentor and person. He was truthful and forthcoming in his
advice.
We appreciate the relationship we had with Sam throughout the years. He
truly was a mentor and inspiration to Wallace for over 30+ years. We
remember you and Irving as his right and left hands.
We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We will be in touch
with you very soon.
Be encouraged and blessed.
October 15, 2009
The late, great Julie Conn
introduced me to Mr. Althaus many years ago while we shared a meal at the
deli, which might have been Coach Conn's favorite place to eat. Even then
I could tell that Sam was a man of substance. My sympathy goes out to the
Althaus family. May God bless you.
October 15, 2009
My son participated in the
essay contest of "Where is God" and learned a lot doing so. We had the
pleasure to meet Mr. Althaus at the Jewish Community Center after one of
his speeches and for the nomination of the winner for the essay. After
listening to him in person, my children wanted to have something else from
Mr. Althaus and they wanted to get the book. My son (12) slept with that
book next to him for weeks. I am sure Mr. Althaus made a positive impact
on so many people, and we appreciated him in so many ways. He was a man of
courage and a man of truth. We will miss you! The Rodriguez family and The
Ruckman's boys. My sympathy to the family.
October 15, 2009
He was an honest man. He was
pleasant company. I'd eat anything he prepared.
October 15, 2009
To the Althaus family, Sam will
be sorely missed. We always enjoyed talking about the lox at the deli
where we would go when the children were little. His smile and kind words
were always there and we will miss seeing him in Shul. May the almighty
comfort all who mourn. Sincerely, Howard & Ernestine Adelman
October 15, 2009
I shall never forget the time
spent with Sam and Marian both in the delicatessen and in their home. Sam
was a dear friend and will be missed greatly. I will also remember his
gratitude to me and my family during my children's growing up. He always
remembered their birthdays and always had a gingerbread house for them at
Christmas time. I also remember being invited by Sam to my first Bar
Mitzvah. (Harry's) Words cannot explain the loss I feel with his passing.
Marian, may God give you and the family strength during these trying
times.
October 15, 2009
Dear Aunt Marion & Harry &
Family,
As a young child, I will always remember Uncle Sam conducting the beautiful
sedar at Grandmother's house. What fun it was to be with Family! As I grew
into adult hood, I realized what a magnificent man Uncle Sam was. Through my
son, Martin, I even got closer to Uncle Sam. Martin and I will miss you
"greatly", but will always REMEMBER your love and kindness and your
MAGNIFICENT CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY!! Your strength and courage to share
your Holocaust Story will live on FOREVER!! May Aunt Marion, Harry & Family
find much comfort through Family & Friends.
Love,
~ Marleen & Martin
October 15, 2009
He was a GOOD man. I never
heard a bad word about him. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
October 15, 2009
Marian, You and Sam have touched
many lives. Ours included. We would like to
convey our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Hold tight to wonderful
memories and be comforted by all the love and prayers sent your way.
~ Ann and Sam Trapani
October 15, 2009
SHALOM, GOOD FRIEND! MARSHALL
AND MARY CLARKE
October 15, 2009
Few events more deeply impacted
my life as a child than meeting Mr. Althaus in his delicatessen with his
warm and smiling face, and seeing those five numbers tattooed on his arm,
and knowing what they meant, and understanding a small fraction of the
unspeakable horrors he had endured not that many years before that moment.
My deepest condolences are extended to his family. May his memory be a
blessing.
Carol Buckley Harty, NNHS Class of 1965
October 15, 2009
Dear Marian, Today we were
saddened and shocked to learn of Sam's death. What can we say about him.
He was truly a great friend and interesting person. We remember with great
fondness all the good times we had through the years! Plus, of course, the
special foods he would prepare. He taught us some good ideas in that
category!
Our thoughts and prayers are with and may God bless and keep you safe.
Edna & Gary Berland Smithfield
October 15, 2009
So many memories of Mr. Althaus
are shared by my family. He was a large part of the fabric of our years
and our parents' years in NN. Buying halavah in the deli before Hebrew
School, munching dill pickles with my dad in the Newmarket deli, bringing
in our young daughter for a candy bar...May all of you, his family, be
comforted by your shared memories. Regards to all of you from all of us.
October 15, 2009
Sam made my dreams come true
when he kept his promise and on Jan.3rd 1981 he made a cheese cake wedding
cake for my wedding; it was beautiful. He was a kind man.
Valerie Clarke Peoples
October 16, 2009
Mr. Althaus was an icon in this
community. His life is a testament to courage, humility, and wisdom. I
consider him a real hero of our times. He defeated the greatest enemy of
the 20th century. And of course I always enjoyed eating at the DELI!
October 16, 2009
Sam was my friend for 43 years.
He was a great influence on a young Lawyer who, at the age of 23, thought
he knew everything. My first office was on 28th Street, across from the
Deli. He taught me many things, not about Law, but about people. Thank you
Sam.
October 16, 2009
October 16, 2009
Dear Marian and family--Sorry
that I didn't get to know Sam better. better man than I 'Gunga Din'.
Wishing you well at this change in the road. Love, Cousin Selma
October 16, 2009
Growing up in Newport News,
Saturday was my favorite day. My father would say, "Let's get in the car
and pick up some deli." As a child of seven years, I would walk into
Althaus' in New Market and see all the smiling faces, content faces, and
catch a master at work behind the counter (Irving cutting corned beef). He
took so much pride in his work, and always had a smile on his face. He
would glance up momentarily and say hello and go right back to work. In
the distance I would see Mr. Althaus greeting my father, trading small
talk, as he kept one eye on everything and everybody, always ready to say
hello or thank you for coming and a warm goodbye.
Sam wasn't a relative, but I feel as though I've lost an uncle. His hard
work, love of life, and dedication to community are the lessons that I
take from such a wonderful kind and lovable man.
Lewis "Bucky" Mirmelstein
October 16, 2009
Dear Carole and family,
Your Dad was one of a kind and a true gentleman. He was so generous and
caring. He will be remembered as a rare individual that makes your life
better just for having known him.
My sincere deepest sympathy in your loss.
May the grace of God comfort you now and forever.
Joe Wingo
October 16, 2009
My sincere sympathy to you,
Carole, and your family.
Reading about your father has been an honor. Although I never knew him, I
mourn the passing of a brave and caring man. He is with you always.
October 16, 2009
Sam Althaus was a unique human
being, one of a kind! He was a friend to everyone who knew him. He will be
missed by all of us and, never forgotten. I remember a time when Harry was
working in the deli - as soon as I walked in, Sam exclaimed "Harry made
his first cheesecake" - he was so proud of his son. To Marian, Harry &
Family - you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Evelyn Vretos
October 16, 2009
Mrs. Althaus and family,
Words cannot express the sadness I'm feeling about losing my long time
friend and mentor Sam Althaus.
He was a true American patriot and man of God.
It was always an honor to be in his presence. I will never forget his
kindness and the wisdom he shared so readily.
October 17, 2009
Sam was a true American, he
achieved the American dream while helping others, a true friend to all. He
will be truly missed by all who knew him.
October 17, 2009
To the Althaus Family:
Sam was apart of my life when I was young, as he was a very good friend of
my dad, Les Sweeney. As an adult, I visited Dachau because of Sam's
connection with it. My deepest sympathies to all of his family. Phyllis
Sweeney Snyder
October 17, 2009
Marian:
We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of Sam.
Few people have achieved the position of respect and high esteem which he
enjoyed for so many years in this community. His absence will be felt by
many for many years to come.
With deepest sympathy,
October 18, 2009
Dear Marian and family,
I was saddened to learn of your loss of your beloved husband, father and
friend. Sam was a blessing to all of those who knew him. His great
contributions to the children of Hampton Roads will long be remembered.
May you find peace in knowing he was a gracious and grateful messenger
of God.
Barbara Bailey Wright
October 18, 2009
Dear Family,
I heard with great sadness the loss of Sam. I never met him, but wish I
had. After my mom received his book from his family, I read it and was
shocked to hear what he went through. His patriotism is truly inspiring.
May he finally rest in peace, and God bless his family.
October 19, 2009
I have had a photograph of Mr.
Althaus on my office wall for at least fifteen years. I met Mr. Althaus when
he was catering events for Newport News Shipbuilding. My co-workers and I
supplied the audio for some of the events. One day Mr. Althaus asked if I
could come by and fix his sound system at his place of business. I did and
he insisted on paying me. I did not want payment, so he insisted on giving
me a huge chunk of cheese. He was a great friend to Newport News
Shipbuilding and to America! We will miss him.
~ Robert Seaford, Gloucester, Virginia
October 19, 2009
Mr. Althaus was a wonderful man!
When I was expecting my first (and only) child and we lived near his deli in
the Newmarket Area in the early 70's, my husband and I went there very
often, as I didn't like to cook break-fast. One morning when I came in and
had my newborn son in my arms, he said, "The breakfast is on me!" That was
his way of congratulating us on our new baby; we never forgot that act of
kindness.
P.S. We've also bought and read his book; our son, now living in New York
also has a copy.
~ Delores and John Wilson
October 19, 2009
My sympathy to Sam's family. I
was pastor of Parkview United Methodist Church from 1971-1980. Sam catered
our Sweetheart Banquets through most of those years. I had the privilege
of knowing him as a special friend. He indeed was an asset to the
community and a special man. I will always remember our times together at
the New Market North Deli.
May God's richest blessing be with you, Marian and the family.
October 19, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Mr.
Althaus' family.
He came to speak to my students at Saint Leo University at Fort Eustis and
touched many lives.
He was a dear person who will be remembered always.
~ Tanya Higgins Williamsburg, VA
October 21, 2009
Marion and Harry,
I am so sorry to hear about Sam. I didn't know he had passed until it was
too late to attend the services. You know that he held a special place in
my family's heart. He will always be remembered as a family member to us.
Please know that we share your grief and pray for you and the family.
Love you,
Joyce Solomon Dillard
October 21, 2009
Dear Marion and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences of your loss....I hope the happy
memories that you have will help you through this time of grief.
Sincerely,
Jaci Segaloff Silverberg, London England
October 22, 2009
Althaus Family: I met Sam and
his cousin, Irving, back in Spring of 1964 when I started to work for
Retail Merchants which was above the Delicatessen on 28th Street. When
they moved the deli to New Market, I continued to eat there, as well when
they moved to their final place in Mid-Town Newport News. On 13 Jan 98 I
went to have my "birthday lunch" there only to find Mr. Althaus had
retired and closed the business so we had to go over to "Sammy's"! About
three ago I was in Artie & Toni's and saw his book in the showcase and
bought it so I could learn of his experiences since I had visited Dachau
in 1977, and what an impression his story had on me. Know my thoughts and
prayers are with you and his family. He will be missed.
October 22, 2009
Dear Marion and
Family,
I met Sam many years ago, when my husband, Vince, and I ate at Althaus Deli.
My daughter, Trevina, teethed on the huge pickles! Sam and Vince loved to
talk politics. It seemed like everyone in the city ate there.
Sam spoke at my Rotary club (Rotary Club of Newport News) many years ago,
and he did a great job. He was a powerful speaker with a powerful message.
I am sorry that I was out of town when Sam passed, and that I missed his
funeral, but Vince attended the wake.
Sincerely, and in sorrow,
~ Terry and
Vince Joseph
October 22, 2009
To Marian and Harry, I am so
sorry I missed the service for Mr. Sam. You and he always were there for my
family, so thank you very much. I would love to see Harry. My mom, Harriet
Solomon, worked for him. You will be kept in my prayers. I will be calling
you soon, so take care of yourself . Love you Jean Solomon Lyons
(Preacher Girl) Sam gave me a Jewish Bible.
~ Jean
Solomon Lyons
October 24, 2009
I met Sam just in the past 9
months while working at OSC. He came in each day and made us a wonderful
chef salad with his special salad dressing. What a wonderful man! He will
be so missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. What an honor
to have met such an inspiring individual.
November 01, 2009
Sam was a major part of my
life. He helped teach me how to play baseball, how to cook, and so many
other things. I am eternally grateful for everything he did in my life.
The story of his experiences in the Holocaust amazed me, even when I was
too young to fully understand what the Holocaust was. Last year, he
allowed me to write about him for an English paper. In writing that paper,
I was able to explore what he went through and it made me appreciate and
look up to him even more than I already did. I had been meaning to give
Sam a copy of that paper, but never had the chance. I know he would have
loved to have it. Sam was pretty much the grandfather I never had. Both of
my grandfathers died before I was born or when I was very young, and Sam
took their places. I am very grateful to have had such a wonderful man
love me like he did. He was amazing, and I hope he knew how special he was
to me.
November 04, 2009
I met Sam last year. I am a
teacher at Toano Middle School for WJCC. He came to our school to talk to
the 7th grade class. His story was amazing and the kids said they had
learned an invaluable lesson from him. My thoughts go out to the Althaus
family. He will be missed but he and his story will not be forgotten.
|
Samuel Althaus, father of
Carole Althaus
Tanenhaus ('65) of MD,
Sheryl Althaus Luebke ('67) of VA, and Harry
Althaus of NY, passed away in
Newport News on Tuesday,
October 15, 2009 at the age of 84. A familiar figure to most of our
readers, he was the owner- proprietor of Althaus
Delicatessen & Caterers.
From
Bill Lee (Warwick HS - '54) of NC -
10/16/09, 6:12 AM - "You said it better":