Samuel R. Suitt III


Sam Suitt, 83, of Charlotte, NC passed away on July 2, 2022 in Boston, MA. He was the son of the late Samuel R. Suitt, Jr and Dorothy Weygand Suitt of Charlotte. Sam was born and raised in Charlotte and graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, MA (Class of ’57), the California Institute of Technology (BS ’61, Caltech), and the University of California Los Angeles (MS, UCLA). As a Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) electrical engineer, he contributed to the development of various planetary exploration satellites and landers. He joined TRW and played an important role in developing intelligence satellites critical to sustaining the nation’s security during the Cold War. Sam mentored and provided financial aid and scholarships to numerous students and actively supported both Andover and Caltech throughout his life. Sam was preceded in in death by his parents, his brother Cliff, and his sister Karen Ann, and is survived by relatives in Ohio, his mother’s home state, and many friends. Sam contracted Covid and died from severe complications related to Stevens-Johnson syndrome in spite of excellent care at the nation’s #1 research hospital located in Boston. Sam will be buried in Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Phillips Academy, Andover, MA or to the Triad Sheltie Rescue in Youngville, NC.  

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6 Condolences

  1. Judy Fischer--Louisville, Kentucky on July 13, 2022 at 2:07 pm

    I’m so sorry that Sam is no longer on this earth. Sam was one of the brightest and most ethical people I’ve ever known. Though we didn’t see each other often, we did get together about once a year and we communicated by email, discussing many subjects of mutual interest. His memory is a blessing.



  2. Leslie on July 17, 2022 at 11:21 am

    Saddened to learn of Sam’s passing and eager to learn more about our family’s most excellent fruit cake baker & scientist.



  3. Eric Myrvaagnes on July 19, 2022 at 4:17 pm

    I will miss Sam greatly. My memories of him at Andover are cherished. He was truly one of the good guys.

    -Eric Myrvaagnes, Newton, MA



  4. NICHOLAS MITCHELL on July 27, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    I have memories of times spent in the company of this man that I will cherish forever.



  5. Amy Burke on August 12, 2022 at 12:59 am

    I am so sorry to learn of Sams passing! Sam was a good friend of the family and a very kind heart. He bought my grandparents house in Lyons Oregon. My grandfather built the house and Sam always loved the craftsmanship. There are stained glass windows my grandma made there I’d at least like a photo of. Can anyone contact me? Asb768@yahoo.com I will share this very sad news with my siblings.



  6. Reanna Voigt on August 13, 2022 at 12:47 am

    I’m not sure where to even start. My heart is breaking. He was a genius. Best of the best. Made me laugh every time i seen him. He will be missed terribly. I loved him so much. Glad i had him in my life!!



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