Samuel A. “Sam” Mears, of New Philadelphia, passed away on May 13, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family, following a brief period of declining health.

Born in Port Washington on August 16, 1940, he was the son of the late Homer Grant and Lela (Hollingsworth) Mears. After graduating from Freeport High School in 1958, Sam continued his education at The Ohio State University before completing barber college in 1961.

Sam joined Shawver Barber Shop in downtown New Philadelphia in December 1961. He later purchased the business and renamed it Mears Barbershop. He retired on December 19, 2022, fittingly cutting the hair of the very first customer he had ever served.

On February 18, 1962, he married the former Anna L. Glasgow after a courtship that began at the Kwik Shake In. Together, they were faithful members of First United Church of Christ, where Sam served as a deacon, elder, youth volunteer, and president of the consistory. They were also active members of Pathfinders.

Sam and Anna treasured spending more than 40 years at Jack Lake in Canada and enjoyed winters for more than 20 years at Indian Harbour Beach, Florida.

Sam was a faithful member of a morning coffee group that first gathered at the former Aberth’s Bakery and later at Daily Grind, where the group solved all the world’s problems each morning. He never knew a stranger and cherished nurturing friendships, especially time spent with his family.

He was also a member of the Zoar Road Gun Club and Newcomerstown Gun Club, where he enjoyed trap shooting. In his younger years, Sam enjoyed racquetball, bowling, and basketball.

In addition to his wife, Anna, he is survived by his daughters, Dr. Diana (Jeff) Peterson of North Dakota and Darlene (Jack) Walters of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Brandon (Megan) Clow, Emily (Dr. Victor) Migliore, Hannah (Tyler) Frank, Sarah Peterson, and Jane (Duncan) McMahon; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Shirley Leggett, Richard Mears, and Marilyn Yarnell.

A memorial service will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home in New Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 20 beginning at 11 am with visitation from 9:30-11. Burial of his cremated remains will follow the service in Evergreen Burial Park.

Memorial contributions in Sam’s memory may be directed to either Ohio’s Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or the First United Church of Christ, PO Box 422, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.