Oct 19. 1987. Market Crash.  Many think that is a big story.   NO NO NO.  The big story was Sammy 
making it through the door of 11 Wall - the trading floor of the NYSE.  He created a diversionary tactic that got me off the trading floor and we were quickly in our seats for the opening tune of the Jerry Garcia Band Lunt Fontaine show. 



I just found out. I met Sam at the Pines hotel I 1976. Over the years we became good friends. He was part of our crew at the Pines. He served the Grunfelds which I told him was a mistake. But because he spoke Yiddish I knew they would love him. Myself flex,fred,my cousin zemel,kenny rak, and many others mourn his death, He was one of my dearest friends. Years ago I met his family and friends and enjoyed  those times. I can go on and tell the great times myself and our great friends, Sam and I had together. So many great stories. My condolences  to a beautiful family. He will always remember 1981 at the Pines. SAMALA,Fred,and myself. He will always be one of dearest friends. Shalom.












Sam was a  patient at our clinic and he was such a good & careing person , we are going to miss him , my condolences goes out to his family and friends , I’m truly sorry .

My deepest condolences to all of Sam's family.   I also grew up on 74th steet in North Bergen, Sam was always very nice, will always remember his smile.

To the family of Sam,
Sam, John and  I became friends while on the sidelines with our son's Jack and Noah.  Jack and Noah played soccer together for a few years and became fast friends.  Sam was our sideline entertainment!  We had many laughs and he always had the best stories and recipes.  I have only fond memories of Sam and he will be missed by many.  My condolences to the family and the boys at this time of sadness.  Love the Dunican Family, John Jill Jack, and Jamie

My condolences to Janet and all of Samuel's family. I was friends with Janet in grammar school and I remember Sam. I was so sorry to hear the news of Samuel's passing.  May you be blessed with the comfort needed to get through so great of a loss. 

Lorraine (Visconti) Packer

Dear extended Rak family and friends:

Sam, David Corso and a small group of us became close senior year because we were all working on Fiddler on the Roof.  We often went out after rehearsals to the Steak and Shake for burgers and fries afterwards.  Sam’s friendship was one of the highlights of an already special year.  He was always smiling and happy and always had a kind word for everyone.  Sam was one of those few students who transcended cliques.  He was everyone’s friend and was universally loved by all, and that included students of all grades.  He was so nice to underclassmen, whom most seniors ignored.

Sam was every guy’s best friend and every girl’s crush.  He had a heart of gold.

Sam was a bright light wherever he went.  It is not hard to see how he raised three charming sons and was the bright light of his Temple Community.  

Go cheer up God and make him laugh and smile, Sam.  He called you home early for a reason.

Dear Sam's Family,

I knew Sammy when he became a Board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Hudson County in the 90's.  He was a fantastic volunteer and supportive, caring friend.  I wish that we'd stayed in touch over the years, but I have the fondest of memories of him.

Regards,

Janet Wallach

Hello Rak Family- I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of Sam. My prayers are with your entire family. I went to high school with Janet and Sam was a little bit ahead of us.  I remember his performances on Stage at NBHS and his great personality in Student Council. He always seemed to have it all together.
I wish you all Strength.
Warmest Thoughts
Kathy Sharples Massa (sharples twins)

Sammy and I became fast friends in the early part of freshman year at Rutgers. We were part of a small circle of great friends, including my brother, Scott Shapiro.  I’m completely devastated to hear of the loss of a dear friend and send my sincerest sympathies to his sons, mom, brother, sister and many other relatives and friends. Even though we hadn’t seen each other in a few years, I have many fond memories of him and his sweet nature.  Rest peacefully, dear Sam

Hello Sam's family.  I am so sad to hear of Sam's passing.  This is Mary Cordts from 74th & Broadway.  Sam and I were childhood friends  for a long time.  I want to extend our condolences from the Cordts Family.  My mother (Helen) still asks about Sam and your family.  We periodically corresponded through texting and shared pictures of each other's children.  I have many good childhood memories with Sam, the Saporito Family and the 74th street neighbors.  Please let me know if there will be any memorial services.

Again, my sincerest condolences; Sam will be missed.

Mary Cordts Sardella

Sammy and I became friends in the fall semester at Rutgers in 1977. He was a sophomore and I a mere freshman. Throughout our more than 40 year friendship, I had the good fortune to share many memorable times together with Sammy in college, in the Catskills and in so many other venues.  Sammy, you were called back to our Creator too soon, and for that I am saddened. I will miss you dearly. Baruch Dayan HaEmet. My sincerest heartfelt sympathies to his three boys, his mother, brothers and sister and their families, ex-wives, and other close friends and relatives, most of whom I know but have not seen in several years, as I live now in Israel. It grieves me for being unable to attend the funeral, as I'm living so far away.  May we merit to meet again in the Heavenly Kingdom. Until then, I will reflect on the many memorable moments we shared together and be grateful for them. Your friend, Scott Shapiro 

OBITUARY

Samuel Rak

December 19, 1957 – March 4, 2019

Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors

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