Sam Gordon
May 9, 1935-Nov. 4, 2013
Portola Valley, California

Sam Gordon of Portola Valley, Calif., passed away from pancreatic cancer on Nov. 4 at the age of 78. From the beginning, Sam accepted cancer and lived a fuller life because of it. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Ann O'Hara Gordon of Portola Valley, his brother Joseph Gordon of New York, seven children and four grandchildren.

Born on May 9, 1935, in Larchmont, N.Y., Sam was the second son of Frances and David Gordon. After graduating from the Wharton School of Business at The University of Pennsylvania in 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy and was part of the Polaris Missile Project. Following a brief stint in the electronics industry, Sam become a stock broker in 1974 with EF Hutton and served 35 years under its many successor firms. Sam was an avid traveler, photographer, runner, volunteer, and a lifelong learner. Among his many volunteer efforts, Sam was most proud of his association with Ronald McDonald House, Stephenson House and the Opportunity Center.

Tags: veteran, business, public service