An open celebration and remembrance service will be held Friday for Samuel “Sam” Nan of Mercer. It is with mixed emotions of sadness and joy that his family announces his passing at 9:40 p.m. Monday (10-26-09) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after a brief stay, surrounded by his loving family. He was 84 years old.

Born on Oct. 3, 1925, to Luke and Susana Hochata Nan, Mr. Nan was raised in Aliquippa, Pa.

Sam entered the Army as a high school senior in 1944, serving in Company A, 45th Signal Corps, Heavy Construction Battalion.

He played football, began coaching and graduated in 1950 from Edinboro State Teachers College. Sam began his teaching and coaching career in 1950 at Hopewell.

His life changed for the better when he and the former Dorothy Jean Shaw of New Castle married on Aug. 8, 1953.

Sam was employed by New Castle School District from 1953-58, continued teaching and coaching in Norwalk, Ohio, from 1958-63, before finally going in 1963 to Laurel High School, New Castle area. During his time at Laurel, he made many lifelong friendships, taught history and was head football coach until 1968, establishing the varsity football program and sharing the Tri-County championship in 1966. For a time, he served as athletic director and for many years, was the Tri-County Commissioner of Football Officials. He retired in 1988 from teaching.

During his retirement years, Sam enjoyed many things including sharing his faith by teaching the Kappa Chi Sunday school class at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Mercer, where he and his family have been members for 35 years.

Sam looked forward to golf outings with his regular foursome and was able to participate up to a month ago.

Most of all, he enjoyed being with his family, especially with his and Dorothy’s grandchildren, Samantha, Nicholas, Ethan and Evan. Among other things, he passed on his love of the outdoors, appreciation of history and art and his strong faith.

Surviving are: his wife of 56 years, Dorothy, at home; two sons, Timothy Luke Nan and his wife Kelly Rae, New Wilmington; and Kelly Samuel Nan and his wife Pamela Lynn, and their four children, all Mercer; and daughter, Julie Sue Nan, Kent, Ohio.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and a son, Patrick James Nan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Samuel Nan Memorial Scholarship Fund, with checks made payable to Bethany Presbyterian Church, 100 W. Venango St., Mercer, PA 16137. Please write “Sam Nan Memorial” in the check memo line.

“I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you.” John 14:18