Obituary of Samuel R. Race

Samuel R. Race died Sunday November 3,2024 in his home.  Born in Warren County N.J. on March 25, 1930, he was a son of the late H. Arthur Race and Mabel C. Race.  

He graduated from White Township Elementary School, Belvidere High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Rutgers University in 1951.  In college he was Secretary for his fraternity Alpha Sigma Phi, a member of Scarlett Key and Alpha Zeta,1864 Scholarship, Freshman Lacrosse, Ag Club, Booster Club, Dairy Science Club, Rifle and Pistol Club, Intramural Football and Softball and ROTC.

After graduation, Sam entered his parents' business, which then included 250 acres of vegetable and small fruit crops, including strawberries, and 100 dairy cows.  He continued to grow strawberries until 2017.  He worked with his father on the farm, starting at age 6, on evenings and weekends, when not in school.  

Sam entered employment with the N.J. Department of Agriculture in 1967. He was the Executive Secretary for the State Soil Conservation Committee from 1968 until his retirement in 2001.

He was a member and past president of the National Association of State Conservation Agencies.  He was a member of the National Association of Conservation Districts and the Soil and Water Conservation Society, N.J. Agricultural Society and served as NJDA representative.  He had several articles published on the topics of soil conservation and natural resources.

On the local level, he was a member and past President of the Warren County Board of Agriculture, Chairman of the White Township Zoning Board of Adjustment, member for 30 years and past President of the White Township Board of Education, past chairman of the State Dairy Princess Committee, former member and past President of the Belvidere Rotary Club, and was a member of the White Township Committee, and Mayor, serving  multiple three years terms.

He received many recognitions during his career.  He was a member of Alpha Zeta, The National Collegiate Agricultural Fraternity.  He was recognized for 32 years of dedicated service to the National Association of State Conservation Agencies and for outstanding service as a member of the Northeast Region Conservation Partnership Leadership Team.  In 1989 he received the Outstanding Professional Conservationist award from the National Association of Conservation Districts.

Mr. Race's wife of 66 years, Jean, died in 2019 and his daughter, Amy C. Tucci, died in 2008.  He is survived by a daughter Carol (John) Gross, a son William (Ayan) Race, granddaughter Keri (Danny) Diaz, granddaughter Lilly Race and three great-grandsons, Elijah, Nathan and Benjamin Diaz.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, November 15, 2024 at the MacFadden Funeral Home, 325 Hardwick Street, Belvidere, NJ. Friends may call from 10:00 AM to the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be private.