When I first started teaching at Upper Darby High School I had two mentors, Thom Flood with whom I team taught a Cabinetmaking class (official) and Sam Leos with whom I shared morning duty (unofficial).

Thom taught me class organization and how to manage the class efficiently.  Sam taught me “Life according to Leos.” We had duty out back of the IA building watching the students come up from the park.  We had the opportunity to talk and share our lives every morning and we also were the only two Industrial Arts teachers on the second floor.  We spent a lot of time talking and visiting each other’s classrooms as well.

Sam was one of those teachers who was truly unique.  Teaching Graphic Arts gave him the opportunity to create posters around the room with various saying by both the famous and infamous “Sam Leos”.  He would use the posters as talking points sometimes when working with his students.  He required students to reach and not to settle for the minimum.  He encouraged them not to be “slackers” but to do their best.  Sam was truly there to reach kids and not just be a teacher to have the summer off. 

Sam had the ability to laugh with you and also at himself.  Since we taught next to each other we would often cover if one of us was running late to a class.  Sam had a duty on the other side of the building and would often be late to class for that period. I would often let his class in the room and wait for him to arrive.  This was a great group of kids who were up for playing a prank on Mr. Leos.  On this particular day after letting the students in the room we moved the into the Photography Dark Room which was attached to the classroom.  The bell had rung, and a student came in late and was talking to himself about why he was the only one in the class.  A minute or so later Sam came in. They both proceeded to have a conversation about how strange it was that they were the only two in class that day.  Meanwhile the rest of us were in the Darkroom busting a gut laughing about their conversation.  We came out after a minute or so much to Sam's surprise.  Now another teacher might have gotten angry, but Sam took it in stride and enjoyed the laugh along with his students.

Whenever Sam wanted to pass along some particular knowledge, he would often start by saying “So Little Brother” and you knew there was going to be some “Life according to Leos” advise coming your way.  To say Sam was a hard worker was putting it mildly, a prepared insightful teacher, property landlord and small business owner.  Sam was truly a whirlwind of energy and he made sure to have time to socialize with friends and spend time with his family.  I have fond memories of sharing a “frosted mug of brew” at Sam and Pam's house with other high school teachers and their spouses.

After nine years I left the high school and eventually became the principal at Westbrook Park Elementary.  Much to my surprise one day Sam showed up at Westbrook with a gift.  It was a sign for my office door “Mr. Furey Principal”.  This was typical of Sam. He would make the time to help or spend time with a friend.  Over the years Sam had his days angry about something or someone that hadn't gone his way.  But you always knew where you stood. There was never any guessing. Sam did not have any hidden agenda.

My memories of visiting Sam's classes were of seeing a caring teacher who took the department from the days of Industrial Arts with type setting and screen printing to a modern computer lab using state of the art programs.  For many Industrial Arts teachers this may have presented a challenge too difficult to overcome, but for Sam he not only rose to the occasion but created a program that was both academically challenging, technically timely and fun for the students. 

Sam had such a positive effect on his students and colleagues.  He was truly a “Big Brother” to his younger department members.   He will be remembered as a gifted teacher, a mentor and a friend who was sometimes bigger than life always enjoying a laugh and there to help someone who was in need.

Sam we will miss you and your spirit will always be with us.

Your “Little Brother” 

Mark Furey