With great sadness, we share that Samuel Robert Shank Jr. passed away on Friday March 7th, 2025, after living 82 years on this earth.  He was a beloved son and brother, adoring and tender husband, and devoted father.  He was affectionately known by his children as Super Safe Sam, and to his grandchildren as Pops.

Born on January 4th, 1943, Sam grew up in Baltimore, where he attended Calvert Hall College High School.  He earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.  He spent the next 40+ years working for the Department of the Navy.  He was an engineer's engineer.  His whole life was measured twice, drawn to scale and checked again for errors.  In collaboration with colleagues, he secured three patents.  One he spoke of fondly was the "SHANK TANK."  A towed submergible, collapsible, steerable tank for submarine use.  His family wanted for nothing, which may have explained why Sam chose to eat sardines with saltines for lunch at work.   When he wasn't working, he was dedicated to his family, manicuring his lawn, or playing on the neighborhood softball team.  Sam gave his ALL to each of his responsibilities, aquality he modeled well for his family.

During his college years at U of MD, he met the love of his life, Maggie. The love they shared was deep and palpable.  Side by side for 60+ years (58 of them married) , they held hands, exercised, and cheered on their favorite home teams:  the Baltimore Colts, Maryland Terps, Orioles and Ravens.  Sam and Maggie would always drop what they were doing, even a game of Gin Rummy, to savor a 'good' sunset together.  They created a brood of 5 children- 2 boys and 3 girls whose cherished family memories include camping trips, fondue dinners, neighborhood football parties, summer trips to the beach, and later in life- treasured Ravens tailgates.  From Sam's brood followed 11 grandchildren who adored him.  He always showed up to watch them play and watch them thrive.   A fierce game of Parcheesi was often on the docket, and just like Sam's father, our Pops offered no mercy.

Beyond Sam's titles and the memories he made with the people he loved the most, Sam was a gentle, unassuming man, a hardworking father and role model through action over words.  He enjoyed life's simple pleasures- a dozen oysters, a bushel of crabs, a cold beer or glass of chilled red wine.  His family meant everything to him and he devoted his life to supporting their pursuits.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Maggie; his children Matt, Jason, Jessica, Becky, and Julie, and his grandchildren- Kait, Josh, Garrett, Iris, Brady, Reed, Morgan, Sam, Brooke, Mollie, and Luke.

In remembrance of Sam and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a charity close to your heart.  A Catholic mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 24th at 10:30am at St. John the Evangelist Church 689 Ritchie hwy Severna Park, MD 21146.