Samuel John Coursen

On 12 July, 2022, Samuel John Coursen, 91, of Stroudsburg, Pa (formerly of Forty Fort, Pa and Collingswood, NJ) passed away peacefully in his home; on his beloved mountain top, surrounded by his loving wife, Suzanne DeVlieger Clayton Coursen, and his near- by family. After a Winter diagnosis of cancer, Sam chose to live out his final months with the support of Hospice, so that he could savor as much time "walking down memory lane" with his devoted friends and entire blended family of eight children: Sandra Coursen Sablocik (Michael);Debra Coursen Kessel (Gary); Diane Coursen Springer(Carl); Susan Coursen (Jeanine Gildorf); Spencer Coursen; Kathryn Clayton Kundaria (Ajay); Monica Rose Clayton; Sara Clayton O'Malley (Peter).  Five grand children: Sara Coursen Sabolcik; Greg Kessel (Jackie),Brielle Kessel (Joe Flannigan); Peter O'Malley; Mamie O'Malley.  Great-grand children: Grayson and Kasey Kessel; Baby Kessel-Flannigan, due in August. Sam was preceded in death by his loving parents, Louis and Mamie Coursen of Forty-Fort, PA and his beloved wife Donna Stafford Coursen (54) in 1990. His brother Louis A. Coursen (Betty-Lou); his oldest daughter, Beth Dobson (Dave); his nieces and nephews; many sisters and brother-in-law and 31 nieces and nephews by marriage; and dear friends, sadly morn his passing. After pursuing an invitation to compete in the 1952 USA Wrestling Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, while a student at Springfield College, Sam began his professional career as a well respected educator and wrestling coach. Simultaneously, Sam and Donna raised their four accomplished athletic daughters. In addition, Sam founded Pocono sports Camp (Marshalls Creek, PA) with partners Clyde Whitman and John Johnston which had a successful run for several decades, giving local school athletes a chance to hone their talents. It was a family affair for all three families! Prior to the passing of his wife Donna, Sam retired from his accomplished teaching career, to care for her in the Poconos. After her passing, incredibly, at age 59, Sam, elected to embark on raising yet another family of four young children with his new young bride. Together, Sue and Sam embraced raising and supporting the goals of their eight collective children and all five grandchildren with equal love and devotion. They also welcomed great-grandchildren into their fold! Retirement also afforded Sam time to relax, garden on his mountain top, golf, oversee wrestling committees and travel the USA with his family. "STERLING" is the descriptor that best defines 'Sammy J'! He lived a life of services to others. Whether it be his family, wrestling community, church, local community, neighbor or friend, no request was insignificant in Sam's mind. He gave of himself always and he expected the best from everyone. He taught countless individuals the value of discipline, respect, hard work and character through his example. The world is a better place because of Sam Coursen. The family is indebted to the wisdom of all the Doctors whom were consulted and instrumental in helping Sam make his own 'end-of-life' choices. We are eternally grateful to the Palliative care and Hospice guidance and direction that brought Sam's earthly life to a peaceful end. It provided Sam time to 'walk down memory lane' with so many of his devoted wrestlers and all of his family members. This was a gift that allowed each of us time to honor his life. Funeral services will be held at the Church of the Mountain, 106 Church Lane, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327. There will be a visitation at the Church from 9-11AM, on Friday 15 July, 2022, followed by a memorial Service at. 11:00 AM which will also be live steaming on the church's Facebook page for anyone who is unable to attend. Graveside burial will be at Keller's Cherry Valley Cemetery, Cherry Valley Road, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, immediately following the Memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: ~Collingswood Athletic Hall of Fame, The Coursen Family Scholarship Fund, POBOX 512 Collingswood, NJ 08108~Church of the Mountain, POBOX 336 Delaware Water Gap, PA18327~Lehigh Valley Hospice-Pocono, 502 VNA Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.