Samir (Sam) P. Ashmar was born May 25, 1963, in Beirut, Lebanon, to Fadel Ashmar and Rommy “Youmna” Ashmar. He was one of six siblings, including his brother, Andrew Ashmar, and sisters, Haya “Jacqui” Howells, Marina Giovannini, Nawel Varno, and Sabina Kineen. In 1967, his family moved from Beirut to Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Samir was the husband of Sharon L. (Miller) Ashmar. They were married 27 years this past April. They have two daughters, Makala and Sierra, and one son, Joshua. Samir was predeceased by his daughter Sierra.

Samir was vice president in the Credit Management Group for Wells Fargo, Reading office, and was employed in the banking industry for over 25 years.

Sam faithfully served Upper Macungie Township as vice chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, and Authority since 2006.

He was a volunteer firefighter since 1982, presently serving as fire marshal and EMT for Upper Macungie Township Station 56, and previously served the Good Will Fire Company, No. 1 Trexlertown, and Lower Macungie Township Station 30. Sam was an assistant to the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal and held memberships in the International, National and Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators. He also served on the board of directors for the Burn Prevention Foundation, Allentown, from 2000 to 2009.

He held the following certifications: Fire and Explosion Investigator, Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, Basic Vehicle Rescue, Basic Rescue Practices, Introduction to Farm Emergencies, Managing Tractor Overturns, Managing Machinery Entanglements, First Responder, and Firefighter I and Firefighter II State Testing Evaluator.

He received several honors and awards for his service, including the 2010 Valley Preferred Partners in Prevention Award, the 2009 Firefighter of the Year by Good Will Fire Company No. 1 Trexlertown, and the 2002 Hurst Green Cross Award for Vehicle Rescue.

He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Wescosville.

Sam was a hardworking, selfless, and supportive role model to his family and friends and will be dearly missed.