Samuel Irving Hellman of Southampton Dies March 22

Samuel Irving Hellman, celebrated for his unwavering integrity, boundless love, and profound kindness, passed away peacefully on March 22nd, just six days shy of his 84th birthday. Born March 28, 1940, in Chandler, Oklahoma, to Victor and Mildred Hellman, he deeply absorbed the small-town virtues of friendliness, charm, and unpretentiousness that he exhibited to everyone who crossed his path - no matter their station in life. Like the famous Oklahoman Will Rogers, he never met a person he didn’t like, and there was no person who instinctively failed to like him.

Sam’s magnetism, charisma, and sense of humor were evident from an early age. Perhaps the highlight of his high school football career came in a rivalry game when he left the bench to enter the field to make a brilliant, unassisted, touchdown-saving tackle in a game in which the Chandler Lions were being humiliated. His popularity was such that he was celebrated as a hero. His ability to get along with everyone led to his appointment as program director at the highly regarded Camp Wah-Kon-Dah on the Lake of the Ozarks.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University in 1963 and his law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1968. Upon his admission to the bar, he began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General of Oklahoma. Once again, his equanimity made him the choice of one Democratic Attorney General and one Republican. In this role, he made front page news by authoring an opinion that Oklahoma law did not forbid topless go-go dancers.

In his more serious work as an attorney, Sam specialized in public finance, an area of expertise that notably included large airport and public transportation projects. His recruitment by the prestigious Wood Dawson law firm in New York City led to becoming its managing partner as Wood, Dawson, Smith & Hellman, before ultimately merging the firm with Hawkins, Delafield & Wood. The firm served many municipalities throughout the United States, reaching as far as Hawaii and Guam as well as several European nations, reflecting the impact and scope of his work.

An avid sports fan, Sam’s passion extended to the New York Jets and Oklahoma Sooners football teams, for whom he shared his passion with his children. Yet, it was his family that remained his greatest source of pride and joy. Sam was a fervent supporter of his wife, children, and grandchildren, prioritizing their happiness and well-being above all else.

A devoted husband to Harriet Hellman, their forty-one-year partnership was built on mutual love, laughter, and shared aspirations. Together, they nurtured a family with their two children, Zachary and Alyssa, imparting the virtues of kindness, perseverance, and unconditional love. Sam’s role as a father was paramount, and he took immense pride and joy in his children’s growth and achievements. He was also profoundly dedicated to supporting Harriet’s bilingual health care practice, Hampton Community Health Care, which provides primary pediatric and adolescent care to the entire community.

Sam’s influence reached far beyond his family and career. His genuine kindness, warmth, and generosity profoundly impacted everyone fortunate enough to know him. In retirement he continued to serve the community as an active member of the Heart of Hamptons organization. He had a unique ability to make individuals feel valued and appreciated, leaving an indelible mark on many lives.

Sam Hellman’s legacy is lovingly carried forward by his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Victor and Mildred Hellman; sister, Miriam Ephraim; niece and nephew, Gail and Todd Ephraim; and granddaughter, Henri Goldy Hellman. Surviving him are his wife, Harriet Hellman; son and daughter-in-law, Zachary & Katrina Hellman; daughter and daughter-in-law, Alyssa & Lynn Hellman, along with grandchildren Sunni and Ryland Johnson. His legacy also extends to nephew Mark & Jennifer Ephraim; grand niece and nephew, Maggie and Jake Ephraim; double first cousin Larry & Gay Hellman; double first cousins once removed, Eli & Leslie Hellman and Max Hellman; and double first cousin twice removed, Ethan Hellman.

As we honor Sam Hellman’s memory, we are reminded of the ineffaceable impact he leaves on the hearts of his family and friends, a legacy of love and kindness that will forever endure.

A Celebration of Life to honor Sam’s memory will be held Saturday, April 20th from 2pm-4pm at Brockett Funeral Home, 203 Hampton Road, Southampton, NY 11968. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to East End Hospice.