Samuel Howard Praul

March 8, 1952 - July 18, 2013

Samuel H. PRAUL

Age 61, of Novelty died July 18, 2013. Born March 8, 1952 in Langhorne, PA to the late William S. and Alice A. (nee Rollin) Praul, he had been a longtime Novelty resident. He graduated from Trumbull High School in Trumbull, CT in 1970 and earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT in 1974. Sam was a project manager for EMC² Corporation. He worked his entire career in the computer industry, starting with Digital Equipment in the 1970s. Sam died swimming, an exercise he loved his entire life. He was practicing for the Senior Olympics being held in Cleveland, OH. He had qualified to swim in three events starting July 20, 2013. In addition, Sam was an avid cyclist and enjoyed competing in triathlons. He ran the Boston Marathon in 2008. For many years, he owned Sam’s Bike Shop in Mentor, OH. Sam was a car enthusiast and at times was active in local chapters of the National Porsche Club of America. Sam was a loving father, fiancé and brother. Sam is survived by his son, Isaac Samuel Wallace Praul of Novelty; fiancée Cari Orris of Kent; sister Jennifer (Randall) Rees of Underwood, IA; brother Craig (Susan Reimer) Praul of Hollidaysburg, PA; and many nephews and nieces. Sam was married 19 years to Deborah Wallace Praul who died in 2009. A memorial service will be held 4pm Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 116 South St. (On Rt. 44, 500’ south of Rt. 6/Chardon Square) Chardon, OH. A gathering will be from 2-4pm on Tuesday at the funeral home.

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Samuel H. PRAUL Age 61, of Novelty died July 18, 2013. Born March 8, 1952 in Langhorne, PA to the late William S. and Alice A. (nee Rollin) Praul, he had been a longtime Novelty resident. He graduated from Trumbull High School in Trumbull, CT in 1970 and earned a bachelor’s degree in physicsContinue Reading

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On behalf of the Tobolski family , I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Praul family and to Cari. Sam was a friend to our family for nearly 40 years . There are many great memories which he was a part of and we are grateful to have had him in our lives. He will be dearly missed and will never be forgotten.

Sam was a colleague and a friend. I am saddened by this loss to our community; he will be missed.

There is a small group of guys who worked at Sam's Bike Shop who are better men as a result of being exposed to Sam's leadership, humanity, friendship and business acumen. When Sam first bought the bike shop, I was a teenager in high school and self-taught mechanic, and Sam said, "Well, you're important because I don't know how to fix a bike, and I need you to teach me." From that initial meeting on, Sam was someone was unfailingly great in many, many ways, and he became my friend, adviser and mentor. My heart goes out to Isaac - may he find someone to lean on in the way I could lean on his Dad.

We are so sorry for the loss of Sam -- a loss for all that was too soon and so sad for our dear friend Cari, Sam's son Isaac, and Sam's family and friends. Through Cari, Doug and I got to know Sam during the past few years and enjoyed his company, keen intellect, sense of humor and especially knowing his devotion, affection and love for Cari. During our get togethers with Cari and Sam and Mindy and Chuck, Sam shared his pride for Isaac's sports activities and graduation from high school. Certainly, Sam is missed by all who fortunate to know him.

I've known Sam since 1983 when I joined Digital. He was a dear friend of Bud Lustenberger and they provided us with numerous skits, most memorable was "Karnac the Great". With Steve Judd they also did a "Buzz Box" truth detector skit that was smart and so funny. We were a part of Sam and Deb's early relationship and were overjoyed when Isaac was born. When Bud passed, Sam, Deb and Isaac came immediately to Connecticut to offer their support. They were amazing parents and I am so very sorry for Isaac's loss and for the loss of his family and fiancee.

Although I never met Sam, I know how happy Cari was to have him in her life. She spoke of Sam every time I'd see her and how he brought her so much joy and happiness as they created their new home together, planned their wedding, and looked forward to spending the rest of their lives together . I have no words to express my condolences to you Cari. Our hearts are breaking for you at the news of this great, great loss. I am so very sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

We only knew Sam for the past few years, but he quickly became a cherished friend. His intelligence, humor, kindness and great love for Cari were obvious. Our heart breaks for Cari, Isaac and the rest of Sam's family and friends. We will miss him.

Our hearts go out to Isaac and Cari and all who love Sam. With love, from North Carolina,

WE ARE DEEPLY SADDENED BY SAM'S DEATH. OUR HEARTS REACH OUT TO ISAAC WHO HAS HAD TO ENDURE LOSING BOTH PARENTS. OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH HIM AND SAM'S FAMILY.

I'm so sorry to hear that we lost such a quality person with Sam's passing. Sam has been a friend and collegue since 1979. We worked together (at DEC and Bloomfield Computer Systems) and played together, including many years of softball while in Connecticut. He will truly be missed by many.