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BORN
1940
DIED
2017
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Samuel Armstrong Obituary
Age: 76 • South Burlington
Samuel James Armstrong, 76 of South Burlington died on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at the Burlington Health and Rehab Center in Burlington.
He was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 1, 1940 the son of Phyllis Armstrong King.
Sam was a lifelong musician, starting his career at age 16, traveling and performing across the country with various doo-wop groups in Philadelphia and performing on American Bandstand multiple times. He sang in the groups Ivonne Baker and the Sensations, The Rays and The Universals and in 1968, came to Vermont to play at the High Hat for a six-week gig and decided to stay.
In the 70s, he played frequently at the Ramada Inn, in the 80s at the Sheraton and Hawk's Point and in the 90s at Green Streets. Later on, he was a regular at the Burlington Jazz Festival. He also sold cars for many years at dealerships around Burlington and Saint Albans and up until the time of his passing, he was a long term employee for the Heritage Automotive Group.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Kilby Armstrong and their daughter, Samantha; daughter Sedonia Armstrong and her daughters Larren and Selarra; daughter Sheila Armstrong-McGee and her husband John and son Johnny; and daughter Tanya Thibodeau and her husband, Dean and daughter Zoey-Anne. Sam appreciated family and that includes extended family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 5:00 pm in the Ready Funeral Home South Chapel. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Red Cross. Visiting hours will be held on Saturday from 3pm until 5pm with the memorial service to follow at the Ready Funeral & Cremation Service South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com.
Visit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Armstrong
Sponsored by Ready Funeral Service, Inc. - South Chapel.
Sarina Bachleitner
July 7, 2025
I still think of Sam all the time. He was my first real mentor as a jazz musician when I was only 18 years old. He hired me to join Just Jazz and I got to perform many gigs with him. I remember his sense of humor and we used to sit in the car after a gig and listen to Wynton Marsalis tapes. He was a special person and every time I listen to Wynton Marsalis I think of Sam.
Bob Green
July 7, 2025
Sammy was warm and bright and full of positivity, creativity and encouragement for others. Still missed.
Takara Hansell
July 7, 2020
Not a day goes by that I miss Uncle Sam. I think about how he impacted,so many lives and made them better because he was in theirs including mine. Big Hugs
Takara
Sarina Bachleitner
August 7, 2017
I just heard of Sam's passing and wanted to send my thoughts and memories of him. I arrived in Burlington, VT. at the age of 18 as a young aspiring jazz musician in 1982. Sam became my mentor and introduced me to the local music scene. He readily invited me to join his Just Jazz group which laid the foundation for my successful career as a professional jazz musician. He always supported and influenced me as a musician and I will always be grateful for knowing him. All my support and loving thoughts to his beautiful family. Sarina Bachleitner
L L
July 19, 2017
The feelings of helplessness can seem overwhelming when coping with the loss of a dear loved one. However, you can draw comfort from the Inspired Word at Hosea 13:14.
Rich Bokan
July 17, 2017
Alice, sorry to hear of your loss. I know Sam will be missed by all his family and friends, he was a great guy.
Greg and Debbie Kelley
July 17, 2017
Alice and family, Greg and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will always cherish our memories that we had with you and Sam. Greg and Debbie Kelley
Kelly Dowe Engelman
July 17, 2017
I worked at the Ramada Inn in the 1970's when Sam played there with his trio. Amazing musician and even more amazing man. Fast forward 35 years or so and I went to see him play at Trackside in Winooski. Still the same and he recognized me right away!! My heart hurts for his family but hope he is jamming away.
Jim Condon
July 16, 2017
Sorry to hear the news of Sam's passing. He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. Our condolences to his family.
Paul S Goldman
July 15, 2017
I had the pleasure of knowing Sam since the early 80's when he worked at South Burlington Chrysler. We bonded quickly over music and boxing in particular. It was an honor going to the Jazz fest with him or sharing watching a prize fight. He was kind enough to include me in his holiday party when I was single and knew very few people. He was a great guy and will be missed. I didn't get to see him much over tha past years but we would run into each other at the store and I always felt he was my friend. He was a special man with a personality to light up a room. My thoughts and prayers are with Alice and the whole family
July 15, 2017
Alice, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are a woman of great strength and you are surrounded by love from family and friends. My thoughts are with you.
Kathleen Coolidge
July 15, 2017
So sorry for your loss Alice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Sincerely John and Kathy Coolidge
lorrie colburn
July 15, 2017
He gave the warmest hugs and smiles whenever we met...which wasn't often enough. I send my deepest sympathy to his loving family.
Dennis Cappuccilli
July 15, 2017
Worked with Sam many years ago but remember he was always smiling. A goodnatured fellow who always found a way to make you laugh. My condolences to the family.
Anne Bemis
July 15, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 14, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Although your grief may seem unbearable, know that God wants to comfort you. Pour out your heart to him in prayer and experience the peace that only he can give. Jeremiah 29:11
Jo Ann Rondeau
July 14, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Sam was a wonderful friend for many years. I moved away but every time I came back I looked my friend up he was like a brother to me. Sorry I can't be there but I will never forget him.
Carrie Campbell
July 14, 2017
Such a kind man, and a good friend to my dad from back in the day at So. Burlington Chrysler Plymouth. My thoughts and prayers go out the your family. May he rest in peace.
Richard & Rhoda Becker
July 14, 2017
We are in California and so can't be at our friend Sam's funeral. Richard was part of the Society of Seven with Sam and played the drums with him. He came to our daughter's Bat Mitvas and spent time at our home. A gentle man who will be missed.
Carmen & Phil
July 14, 2017
Alice... so sorry for your loss!! You and Sam were an amazing couple. He will be missed.
Frank Kochman
July 14, 2017
To Sam's family:
As an old musician, a fellow-Philadelphian, and a long-time member of Vermont Jazz Ensemble, I remember Sam with affection as a good musician and a good spirit. Although I didn't know it until I met him 20 years later, while I was trying to get close to Maxine Gradstein on her parents' front porch in Logan, that was Sam on the radio singing Silhouettes.
With sympathy,
Mary Jane McMahon
July 14, 2017
Such a special person in Burlington! Always a smile and a good word for everyone.Sam Will be missed!
Emese & Mike Madigan
July 14, 2017
Dear Tanya, Dean and Family
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Condolences and prayers are sent to you all
Takara Matthews
July 14, 2017
Uncle Sam was such an amazing influence on my life. I regret not having more time to fish with him or listen to his wonderful stories. He reached out to so many in the community but ended up touching so many hearts. What a blessing it was to have him in my life.
I will miss you so much Uncle Sam.
Xoxo TK
Pam MacPherson
July 14, 2017
I met Sam just once but still recognize him as that charming gentleman who was so gracious and proud. A good man has left our midst.
Carollee Reynolds
July 14, 2017
Sam was a wonderful Friend and a great guy!
raymond landry
July 14, 2017
So sorry to hear this about sam.i worked with Sam at heritage.he will be missed.RIP Sam
Moishe Lumumba
July 14, 2017
Sammy - what a bright light - will miss you, friend
Dorothy Kilby-Turcotte
July 13, 2017
Sam, I am so blessed to have had you as a brother-in-law. You always made me feel like you cared about me and my family. You were a second dad to my son. I will miss you and know I will be there for what every Alice needs.
Alan & Tammy Fleming
July 13, 2017
Uncle Sam...what a guy!! Always funny and so loved by all. We'll miss you!
Michael Golden
July 13, 2017
My condolences to all of the family. A bright light has gone out, but heaven has gained a true star.
Sam -
I will miss your smile and how it would light up a room, and how you always greeted me with it ... and how you would holler my name :0). I enjoyed spending time with you and laughing and the stories you would tell. You would make me feel as though everything was right in the world and I could just relax. I admired you for that and many other qualities, and I am reminded of those qualities when I get to spend time with your family, as their kindness and generosity is always foremost and they make me feel like I am part of the family too.
May you play on with the best.
Patricia Eno
July 13, 2017
Dear Alice, Tanya, and family - I remember first meeting Sam back in the 70's at the old Captain Mallett's in the Bay where he was performing... during a break, he sat with us and I told him quite a few facts about clams (don't ask) ....I had him laughing so hard and he had a great laugh that even emanated from his eyes....be comforted by the fact he will be missed by so many people... not a lot of us can say that... Love,
Pat
Jenn Yustin
July 13, 2017
Dear Alice and family, I was so saddened and shocked to hear of Sam's passing. I've worked with him for many years at Heritage. He will be greatly missed.
Karan Francalangia
July 13, 2017
RIP Sam
Toni
July 13, 2017
I knew Sam from his days at the Ramada Inn. My parents were part owners and I worked at the front desk. My parents would enjoy dinner and then went to the lounge to listen to Sam and dance. My youngest brother ( about 10 at the time ) would dance with our mom ! Wonderful memories. Throughout the years I would run into Sam and always welcomed a hug. I'm sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Sam..
Marti Tudhope
July 13, 2017
Dear Alice and family:
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and yours . May it help to know that others care. Remember all of the joy that Sam gave you as you carry him everyday in your heart.
Marti Tudhope(from water @ the Edge)
Robert Kilby
July 13, 2017
I loved Sam the day I met him. Funny I even cried at Alice and Sam's wedding. They were tears of joy that my little sister, born on my 7th birthday, found the love of her life. My family shared many joy filled times and memories with Sam. Sam was a one of a kind man, kind, smart filled with life and one of my best friends. RIP Sam. Sue and I send our condolences to your family. Love to my sister Alice.
Natalie Strothers
July 13, 2017
Rest in peace.
Kara Besaw (Palm)
July 13, 2017
I will always remember his smile, laughter and love of music...xoxoxox
Kara Besaw (Palm)
July 13, 2017
I will always remember his laughter, smile and love for music....xoxoxo
Patricia Sweeney
July 13, 2017
Dear Alice Samantha and family, I'm so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man, I remember how much of a wonderful Dad he was to Samantha when I was your daycare provider, he was a pleasure to talk to. I'm heart broken! He will missed. RIP Samuel Armstrong.
July 13, 2017
Dear Alice, Samantha, Tanya and family,
We are so sorry to learn of Sam's passing and hope you will find comfort in each other. I am so happy Paul and I got to hear him sing and play last summer. He was a talented man.
With Sympathy and Love,
Paul and Simone Stein
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Jul
15
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ready Funeral Service, Inc. - South Chapel261 Shelburne Road, Burlington, VT 05401
Jul
15
Memorial service
5:00 p.m.
Ready Funeral Service, Inc. - South Chapel261 Shelburne Road, Burlington, VT 05401
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Ready Funeral Service, Inc. - South Chapel261 Shelburne Road, Burlington, VT 05401
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