In 1965, Sam enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and became a helicopter mechanic, crew chief and aerial gunner and was deployed to Vietnam. Sam flew in over 360 combat air missions and received numerous awards including 16 air medals, Combat Air Crew Wings, Combat Action Ribbon, Naval and Presidential Unit Citations.

After returning home, Sam worked at Pratt and Whitney. In 1970, he joined the Waterbury Police Department and rose through its ranks to sergeant, detective and lieutenant. For twelve years he was in charge of the Juvenile Division and retired after 28 years of service. He was a trailblazer and leader within the department and assisted in breaking down racial barriers. Sam was committed to improving the lives of veterans and senior citizens.

He was an active member of many organizations and was a member of the Waterbury Board of Police Commissioners.
Sam took pride in many service organizations which included Marine Corps League and was elected as State Commandant, also American Legion Post 135, VFW Post 201, and the Waterbury Elks.

He also was in Marine Corps associated programs including the Order of Devil Dogs, Pop-a-Smoke, and the HMM-262 Combat Helicopter Association along with the Brass City Young Marines. Sam loved the Marines and authored a book on his experience, “Flying Death, The Vietnam Experience”.

His concern for veterans’ issues led him to join the Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee where he served in various positions and became its Chairman in 2014. Sam was always a fixture at veteran programs, parades and ceremonies.

His community service was noteworthy as he was constantly invited to area schools to discuss citizenship, patriotism and service.
Sam mentored many of our City’s youth and served many years on the Fifth District Congressional Review Committee for candidates for military service academies.

Sam was the recipient of many awards. He was named, “Black Mayor for a Day,” was inducted into the State of Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, and also was the first Waterburian to receive the prestigious UNICO “John Basilone Freedom Award”.
He was a licensed pilot and professional photographer and was an organizer and took pride in volunteering as operations director for his brother Reggie’s successful State House campaigns.

Sam is survived by a son, Samuel Beamon, Jr. (Vivian) of Mitchellsville, MD, a daughter Susan Shapiro of Waterbury, three brothers, Gregory, Peabody, MA, Reginald (Judith), and Milton of Waterbury and three grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a loving Waterbury community.

Samuel Beamon lay in State at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall, City Hall of Waterbury on November 4 for public visitation.
A funeral service was held on November 5 at Grace Baptist Church with the family receiving friends beforehand. Full Military honors were presented at New Pine Grove Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. Interment was at Arlington National Cemetery.