Obituary of Sam Idlett "Smiling Sam"

Sam  Idlett was born on May 18, 1944, to the late Frank and Zora Idlett in

Edison,  GA. He was educated in the Edison,  GA public school system. Upon

graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in France

and Germany.  He later received an honorable discharge.In 1966, Sam moved to Newark, NJ and worked at ASR (American Smelting and Refinery) in Perth Amboy, NJ.  In 1968, he started with Public Services which is now NJ Transit out of Maplewood, NJ where he was employed for 50 years before he retired. Sam furthered his education by attending Essex County College in Newark, NJ and Rutgers University in Newark, NJ.Sam

was affectionately known as “Smiling Sam” by his close family and

friends.  All who knew him knew he was a “talker” and he would talk to “any and

everybody”.  Whether it was a holiday, special event, family reunion or just a family

get together,  he always made himself present. Sam always brought his red cooler loaded with drinks.  Sam was president of the Mill Run Union, NJ tenants association. He sat on the  Union County rent control board, and he was an active member of the Union

County Democratic Party. Sam was also a board member for NJ Transit Credit Union

and a state delegate for NJ Transit.  He was an active member of the NAACP as well.

Sam enjoyed traveling every year to Georgia,  Michigan, and Florida to see

family and friends. He was a good father, uncle, and friend to many. Sam will be truly

missed but not forgotten by those who knew and loved him. On April 23, 2018, Sam

departed this life into the loving arms of the Lord.  He confessed Christ at an early age. Although he was not actively involved in the church at the time of his death

Sam knew the Lord and accepted Him as his personal savior.

Sam was predeceased in death by his parents, Frank and Zora Idlett; sisters,

Louise  Garrison,  Dorothy Morris,  Mary Hill, Mattie  Idlett and Ruth Idlett;  brothers,

James Idlett and Leroy Idlett. Sam leaves  to cherish his memory two loving daughters,  Felicia Martinez and Samantha Idlett; one son, Jason Gibson; brothers, Robert Idlett and Frank Idlett (Mary);  sisters, Alice (JT) Bryant and Luella (James) Kitchens; one brother in law, Alexander Morris; one sister in law, Flossie Idlett; grandchildren, Jaleeyah, Jeremiah,

Isaiah,  Javon, Davon, and Daniel; one  great-grandson, Jasir  and a host of nieces,

nephews, cousins, and friends.