Samuel Schoppee Silsby III of Manchester, Vermont, died on September 8, 2021, at home with his family and dog by his side. The cause was pancreatic cancer. He was 62 years old.

Sam was born in Bangor, Maine, on August 23, 1959, the third child of four born to Frances Litchfield Silsby and Samuel Schoppee Silsby Jr. Sam grew up in Augusta, Maine, and graduated from Cony High School. In pursuit of adventure outside of a classroom and creating his own path, Sam enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served four years while stationed in RAF Upper Heyford, England. Sam was honorably discharged June 7, 1982 as Sargent and completed the Reserves January 31, 1984.

During his time in England he frequently visited cherished childhood family friends in northern England, and to this day the two families remain as one.

Sam returned to Maine after his military service and enrolled in a two-year degree program offered by the University of Maine at Augusta and the former Maine Photographic Workshop in Rockport, Maine.

Following his graduation, he and a friend left to seek love and their fortunes in Vermont. Sam found work as an apprentice to a local plumber and eventually earned his master's plumbing license. For many years he operated his own successful business. Sam was known in the community for his generosity, honesty, work ethic and meticulous attention to detail. To see a boiler installed by Sam is to see true artistry.

Sam also found love in Vermont. He met his beloved wife Victoria while they were each out walking their dogs on a dirt road in the Mettowee Valley. Sam and Victoria married in Bennington in 1988, and together raised two children, Elizabeth and Samuel IV, cats and several Brittany Spaniels, Sam's breed of choice.

Sam was a self-taught carpenter who used his considerable skills to renovate the family home and plant an ever-expanding perennial garden.

Always thinking outside of the box, Sam was instantly inspired by the possibilities of giving the gift of life. He supported donating blood, platelets and plasma. Sam had a passion for fact finding, continuously educating himself.

With Sam being true to his selfless and caring nature, became a non directed living organ donor through the National Kidney Registry. On May 13, 2011, Sam donated one of his kidneys. Sam’s mindset was, “Well, I have two and can live with just the one kidney so why not help someone who needs one.”

Sam was a devoted, protective husband, father and brother. Always enjoying visits to Maine to see his mother, sisters, nieces and nephews. It was rare that those visits didn't include a lobster dinner preceded by oysters on the half shell and a couple pounds of clams. Sam was a talented self-taught cook who fondly loved reading recipes and perfecting the art of smoking meats. Sam zealously guarded his secret recipe for his barbecue sauce and carries that with him today. Most often Sam would take over the kitchen and was truly the happiest cooking for his friends and family while having his love for 70’s classic rock playing in the background.

Like his father, Sam was drawn into history and avidly pursued books and antique carpentry hand tools. Sam also enjoyed annual trips to the Jersey Shore and Connecticut with “the boys.”

Sam is survived by his wife Victoria (Bucknall) Silsby; their daughter Elizabeth of Portland, Maine; their son Samuel IV; his mother Frances L. Silsby of Gorham, Maine; his sisters Carolyn A. Silsby and her partner Stanley W. Piecuch of Camden, Maine, Joanna S. Wallingford and her husband Mark of Auburn, Maine, and Nancy S. Owens and her husband Scott of Gorham, Maine, and their families. Sam was predeceased by his father in 2008.

Endearing personal connections blurred the labels of friends and family. Sam always assured the front door was open, a seat was at the table and food was in the fridge. Sam was the first to volunteer his help to any friend or family member in need. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. At Sam's request, the family will be holding a private gathering.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New England Brittany Rescue care of E. P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT 05201.