Samuel Thomas McClure, 82, of Malvern, PA, passed away November 26, 2020.

Born July 30, 1938, in Elizabeth, NJ, he was the son of the late William and Ann (nee McPartlane) McClure. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University.

He enjoyed playing tennis, basketball, golf, and being courtside at NCAA basketball games. Most of all, Sam loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. Especially on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Sam began his career in Development at St. Bonaventure University and then continued to Georgetown University, University of Dallas, Irving TX, and Assumption College in Worcester, MA. He finished out his successful career in Catholic higher education fundraising with a 19-year stint at Villanova University School of Law as the Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Affairs.

It is there he played a key role in the successful Campaign for Villanova Law. The Campaign raised more than $22 million and helped the Law School realize the dream of a new state of the art building which now provides almost twice as much space as the prior building - Garey Hall. He also contributed to the success of the Reuschlein Campaign. He oversaw the alumni and development offices while the alumni base doubled in size and became increasingly diverse and far-flung. He helped position the department to respond to the expectations of the digital age.

Sam truly believed in relationship building to serve others. He supported many nonprofits not only financially including his alma mater, but through volunteerism as well. He always said, “It is better to give than to receive.”

He was the beloved husband of Grace Alba McClure; loving father of Jennifer McGinley (Patrick) and John McClure; and adoring grandfather of Samuel McGinley and Madeline McGinley.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.