Date of Service:
August 24, 2025
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Richard “Dick” Sameth, age 88, of Mantoloking, New Jersey, and Vero Beach, Florida, passed away surrounded by family on August 10th in Vero Beach.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Bell, her husband Bob, and their children Madeleine, Audrey, and Brandon; his son, Jeff Sameth, and his daughter Christina; and his daughter, Jill Smith, her husband Eric, and their children Gemma and Ryan. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Sameth, and his wife Susan; and his sister, Jeanne Burke, and her husband Ed. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Pauline “Polly” Sameth, and their son, John.
Dick was raised in Short Hills, New Jersey, by his parents, J. Edwin and Gertrude Sameth. He graduated from Millburn High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Dartmouth College in 1959. He remained an active alumnus for many years and maintained strong ties with the Dartmouth community.
He devoted 50 years to the family business, Western Pest Services, and was a major contributor to the pest industry. He served as President of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), and he was honored with induction into the NPMA Hall of Fame, Class of 2016.
Dick’s commitment to community service was a constant throughout his life. While he and Polly raised their family in Westfield, New Jersey, he served as President of the United Way and the YMCA. They also enjoyed spending time at Echo Lake Country Club. After moving to Mantoloking, he devoted time to the Mantoloking Town Council and Planning Board, Trust for Public Lands, Pt. Pleasant Beach Public Education Foundation, Bay Head Historical Society and served as Trustees of Save Barnegat Bay and St. Simon-by-the-Sea Church. Dick served as Commodore of Mantoloking Yacht Club and also enjoyed time at Bay Head Yacht Club and Manasquan River Golf Club. In the cold of winter, Dick and Polly retreated to Vero Beach where they enjoyed many years with friends. During this time, Dick was involved with the Moorings Club and was also Commodore of the Moorings Yacht Club. They also enjoyed time at Quail Valley Club. Dick dedicated his time and energy as a trustee of the St. Edward’s School, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.
Dick had a lifelong love of the water. Whether sailing in regattas, enjoying raft-ups with friends, or exploring the Intracoastal Waterway, he was always happiest on a boat. He cherished time with his family, supported his community, and made lasting friendships everywhere he lived. His smile and quick wit was infectious.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 24th 1pm at St. Simon-by-the-Sea Church, 1324 Ocean Avenue, Mantoloking, New Jersey. A light repast will follow at Bay Head Yacht Club, 111 Metcalfe Street, Bay Head, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dick’s name to:
St. Simon by-the-Sea Church at 1324 Ocean Ave, Mantoloking, NJ 08738
https://www.stsimonbytheseamantoloking.org/support-us
If you have any questions, please email simon08738@gmail.com
Or
VNA & Hospice Foundation at 920 37th Pl. Ste. 101 Vero Beach, FL 32960
Or https://foundation.vnatc.com/memorials-and-honorariums/
If you have any questions, please call 772-978-5580
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2025 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Maggie Corbet - Friend
August 13, 2025, 9:16 pm
To all of the Sameth family, please accept our deepest sympathies. Dick was a true friend to my father for many decades and we are forever grateful for his friendship in Jubb’s later years. We will always remember him as a man who would go the extra mile to help out and his years of service to the Mantoloking community. He will be missed.
Anthony DeChellis - Fellow SES Board Member & Friend
August 14, 2025, 5:42 pm
Dear Jennifer, Jeff, Jill, and the entire Sameth family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Dick’s passing. Having had the privilege of serving alongside him on the St. Edward’s School Board, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, wisdom, and warmth he brought to everything he touched.
Dick’s commitment to St. Edward’s was just one facet of his remarkable life of service, but it was the one that allowed me to know him personally. His thoughtful insights, steady leadership, and genuine care for the school community set a standard that inspired all of us who served with him. Beyond his contributions in the boardroom, what I’ll remember most is his infectious smile and that wonderful quick wit that could lighten any moment and bring people together.
Reading about his extraordinary life – from his 50 years building the family business to his leadership roles in countless organizations from Mantoloking to Vero Beach – it’s clear that Dick approached every commitment with the same dedication and spirit I was fortunate to witness. His love for sailing, his devotion to Polly through 62 years of marriage, and his pride in his family all paint a picture of a man who lived fully and gave generously.
Dick left an example that all of us on the board, and indeed everyone who knew him, will strive to follow. His legacy of service, leadership, and kindness will continue to inspire our work at St. Edward’s and beyond.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. May the countless lives Dick touched and the many communities he strengthened bring you comfort as you celebrate his remarkable life.
With deepest sympathy and warm regards,
Anthony DeChellis
Bernadette Ruane - Friend
August 15, 2025, 4:31 pm
We are so sad to hear of our Vero Beach neighbor and friend, Dick, passing. He was such a kind, wonderful man. We will miss him dearly. Our condolences to the family. The Ruane Family