Dr. Paul Henry Sammelwitz

Dr. Paul Henry Sammelwitz passed away peacefully on January 1, 2021 after a brief illness. Paul was born in Buffalo, NY on March 13, 1933 to the late Frederick and Elsie (Blum) Sammelwitz. He grew up as the younger brother to three older sisters. Paul spent many summers at his relative’s farms where he worked and enjoyed farm life. He graduated from East High School in 1951. Paul attended Cornell University where he was the manager of the football team for all 4 years. He graduated with a degree in dairy and agricultural sciences in 1955. Paul went on to attend the University of Illinois where he received his Masters’ and Doctorate Degree in reproductive physiology in 1959. Throughout his training and career, Paul was a member of various scientific fraternities and organizations. He joined the University of Delaware in 1959 as an Associate Professor in the College of Agricultural and Natural Resources, teaching anatomy, physiology, and genetics. “Dr. Samm”, as he was referred to by his students, was well loved and admired. Paul’s area of specialty was poultry sciences, and he was known as the expert on the Blue Hen bird. Paul was a pioneer in the use of technology in teaching. In the late 1970s, he was among the first in the College to use computer programming as a supplement to laboratory lessons. In 1974, Paul and Dr. David Frey started the Annual Ag Day event which continues today. Paul became a tenured professor later retired from University of Delaware in 1999 after 40 years of teaching, mentoring, and advisement. His passion was being an educator, as witnessed by the many students he inspired. Paul was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Newark, where he served in many leadership capacities and on various boards over the 60 years. He was a big supporter of Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Delaware. Paul also volunteered his time for many years as a member of the Delaware Maryland Synod, and traveled to monthly meetings in the Baltimore area. He enjoyed many activities and sports including sailing, skiing, running, biking, canoeing and camping. He learned to snow ski in his 30s after he arrived in Delaware. Paul enjoyed football especially watching the University of Delaware Blue Hen’s and the Philadelphia Eagles. He instilled a love of sports in all his children. Paul and his wife, Diane, celebrated 58 years together in August of 2020. Their first date was in Longwood Gardens and they continued as members throughout the years. They enjoyed traveling and attending Elderhostel programs in their retirement. They moved to Jenner’s Pond Retirement community in West Grove, PA in 2011. At Jenner’s Pond, Paul sang in the choral group, participated with the wood shop and perfected his hobby of caning chairs. He liked to play Sudoku and spent time learning new things and communicating to others via his computer. Paul is preceded in death by his wife Diane; son, Michael Moore; and sisters, Ruth Preusch and June Holden. He is survived by his children, Christopher Moore Sammelwitz and Ellen (Stephen) Casey; 3 grandchildren, Deirdre, Niall and Rebecca Casey; sister Alice Kryszczynski; many nieces and nephews; and beloved friends and colleagues. Services and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 701 South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713 or the Tithe.ly link to Paul Sammelwitz Memorial www.stpaulsnewarkde.org And/Or 2. Paul H. Sammelwitz Scholarship Fund, University of Delaware, Gifts Processing, 83 East Main Street, 3rd Floor, Newark DE 19711

Dr. Paul Henry Sammelwitz

March 13, 1933 - January 1, 2021