Contributions to the tribute of Samuel M. Lerman

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Emily posted a condolence

Thursday, January 16, 2025

I met Sam hiking in Durand Eastman Park. He became a friend of mine and we’d text back and forth a lot, and he’d shared some of his writing. I told him I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who has more of a gift of writing that he did. He expressed himself so eloquently and beautifully. It was truly a blessing to read his works. Sam is also a lover of nature and would see the beauty of the world around him, unike others who would so quickly pass it by. We would meet to go hiking rather than ever sitting around inside. Sam also had such a kind and generous heart. Knowing he is excellent with computers, I reached out to him one time, telling him I’d pay him if he were to create a website for me. However, he insisted that I not pay him and offered to do it for free. I will miss Sam, and am very saddened I did not get to know him more.

J

Josiah K uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

I met Sam in high school study hall in freshman year at Penfield High School. We bonded over our shared love of Lord of the Rings and our friendship grew from there. One day, while we were fooling around in study hall he stabbed my in the shoulder with a pencil and I still have his mark to this day, and not only from the pencil. I cannot think of anyone with whom I can compare Sam's creativity, passion, and intellect. We had many deep and meaningful conversations over the course of our friendship and definitely didn't see eye to eye on most things (save Lord of the Rings), but rather than stifling the friendship, it made for a rich one. He could talk circles around me with when we were disagreeing, and yet we also laughed our heads off just as much. I would not be who I am today had I never met Sam; a thoroughly unique and finely crafted individual. To Sam: I will miss you dearly, friend. I regret that we didn't see each other more frequently after I moved away, and I will cherish all the memories that I did have with you. You made me a deeper and better thinker and friend. I am all the better for having known you, and I am thankful for every memory we made together. Thank you so much for coming along side me in this life.

L