Contributions to the tribute of Samuel C. McQuade

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Joe Hennekey posted a condolence

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Sam was a good friend and colleague for many years. I met Sam on his first visit to R.I.T. when he was here for a job interview and we were friends from that day on. Prof. Sam McQuade, PhD, was a fine role model and mentor from an academic and law enforcement perspective. He taught me to look at almost everything from different perspectives; to seek out alternative and opposing viewpoints while thinking critically for myself. He recruited me to teach at the undergraduate college level and I went on to teach multiple courses at many local colleges as an adjunct professor for over a decade. I am extremely grateful for that mentorship. He was a man of faith and high character who came from a humble military and law enforcement background to achieve a Doctorate degree to do what he loved: teaching. Besides the professional relationship I enjoyed fishing, pool, racquetball and some really fun parties with Sam. I miss him already. In deepest sympathy I offer blessings and best wishes for his family and friends.

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John Behrends lit a candle

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Sam was a student, good friend and for all practical purposes a "son" that I did not have. We grew over the years to be very close. He was also a student, football player, friend and a fellow brother in the Lord. Over the years, we became very connected sharing life's gifts and challenges together. The memories of Sam's life will linger with me all of remaining years of my life. God's imprint on Sam's life will be with me for all of my days. Teacher, Coach, Dad and friend, John Behrends.

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Yolanda Carrasco posted a condolence

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Sam, Thank you for the memories, the canoe ride, the trip on your boat with Ragtime across the Puget Sound, Pike Place Market, dinner at the Space Needle and countless discussions that made my head spin. I’ll forever treasure the moments we shared — the joy, the countless memories that now live in my heart. Though you’ve left this world, your kindness and spirit will continue to inspire. I hold you deep in my heart. Rest in Peace my dearest friend.

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Aksh Sehgal posted a condolence

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Dr. Sam McQuade started as my professor at RIT, but he became a lifelong friend and a core advisor to our business. He was the one who convinced me I belonged in service to our country—and 23 years later, I’m still at it. Sam had a specific way of looking at you: that 'I don’t fuck around' stare mixed with a 'you better go for it' smile. It was usually followed by a 400-page book he’d expect you to read so you could back up your actions with the intellectual ammo to win. He was a solid guy who left a massive mark on my life and countless others.

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David M Dyson posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Sam and I became friends through a small group of train club enthusiasts. His huge layout was located in the basement where he had worked tirelessly over the years. We helped maintain and build onto his passion and had many hours of fun and conversation that went beyond trains. He was a wonderful friend and with his sweet wife, Jean, my wife and I enjoyed many social events. We will miss him more than we can even imagine. Fly with the angles. Love, Dave and Jacque Dyson

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Mark D Gorthy posted a condolence

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Sam, Jean, and Pat were neighbors. I moved to the neighborhood in part because of them... I was at RIT in the department that hired Sam as he moved to Rochester. I learned that he was a fisherman - most recently from the Pacific Northwest, where I also had family - but he had also fished in the Midwest, where he was raised. (I had become obsessed with fishing for muskellunge, or muskies, even though there are only a handful of waters in NY that have muskies.) So, I ask Sam "Have you ever fished for muskies?" GAME ON! We planned a weekend trip to Chautauqua Lake in SW NY. I had amassed a couple dozen muskie lures in my collection - specialized equipment costing many hundreds of dollars. Sam went to B&E tackle out in Ontario (some of you locals might remember it) and he bought a couple large baits they carried - Rapalas. We drove down to Chautauqua and started trolling our lures. I was switching out my baits trying to get a bight. Sam hooks up and we land two fish on the 2 lures he brought. Only fish of the trip! No, he didn't let me live that down... He was kind, considerate, a tool snob (but he was right), smart beyond his practice, adoring of his wife, Jean, and a caring man. I will miss the conversations we had, and remember fondly the tremendous work we did together cutting and hauling firewood to heat our homes, and the enjoyment of fishing Lake Ontario for salmon. I will miss him dearly. Mark Gorthy

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The family of Samuel C. McQuade uploaded a photo

Friday, March 6, 2026

Samuel C. McQuade

1956 - 2026

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