Samuel M Saloom, Jr.

Samuel M. Saloom, Jr, 79, of Milltown, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023 at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick.  He was born in 1944 and raised in New Brunswick, attended New Brunswick High School where he met the love of his life, Bonnie.  They were married on November 11^th, 1967, and started a family having two children, Stacey and Keith.  Previously lived in North Brunswick before moving to Milltown in 1980 where they raised their family.

Upon high school graduation, he served in the United States Army and completed his basic training at Fort Dix New Jersey. He was assigned to the First Air Cavalry Division based out of Fort Benning, Georgia.  He was deployed to Vietnam from 1965-1966 in the An Khe Provience being honorably discharged January 1966.  He was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal and the National Defense Medal along with several recognitions for his military service. 

Upon returning home from Vietnam in 1966, he began his career with Bristol Myers Squibb in New Brunswick serving as a Facilities Supervisor for 32 years. He also completed his painting apprenticeship.  Upon leaving Bristol Myers Squibb, he worked at the Middlesex County Adult Corrections Maintenance and Grounds before retiring in 2010.  He was also a member of VFW Post 4699 in Sayreville and a member of the Milltown Pool restorative committee where he helped paint the boro pool.  

Sam also known as “Butch” to his extended family was a man of high integrity and strong principles.  He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and family was everything to him.  Sam loved to be humorous with practical jokes with all who knew him. He had a big heart with love and compassion.  He loved attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. He loved Christmas and the joy of spending the day with his family and giving them surprise gifts.  He also was known for playing Santa Claus at the Bristol Myer Squibb Childrens Holiday parties.

Sam was also a very talented stained glass artist.  He enjoyed making stained glass holiday gifts for family and friends.  He also enjoyed online shopping on Amazon.  He loved fishing, crabbing and being at the Jersey Shore.  He loved going on his annual father and son fishing trip with his closest friends. He was “Mr. Fix It.” Most of all, he loved being a Husband, Dad and Grandpa.

He’s predeceased by his parents Samuel and Norma (Glaze) Saloom, and his siblings Ron and Phyllis Saloom.

Surviving are his loving and caring wife of 56 years, Bonnie Saloom. His daughter Stacey Rachilla and her husband, Ron of Hillsborough and his son Keith Saloom and his wife, Leslee of Monroe Township; and his six grandchildren Amanda, Amy and Jake Rachilla, and John, Rhya and Samara Saloom

Also surviving are his cousins who he cherished deeply. Sam (Butch) was loved by many and will be dearly missed. The legacy he leaves behind of respect and love will truly never be forgotten.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, November 13^th 2023,12:30 pm at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 North Main Street – at Riva Avenue, Milltown.  A Visitation will be from 10am-1pm at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Brig General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Park in Wrightstown.  You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Disabled American Veterans DAV (https://help.dav.org) or Folds of Honor Foundation (https://foldsofhonor.org)