Obituary of Paul Samuel Tressel, Jr.

Paul Samuel Tressel, Jr.  July 18,1947 - December 19, 2020

A peaceable man, and lover of music. A devoted and loving son, father and brother,  Sam Tressel has passed peacefully in Roanoke, VA, December 19, 2020,  

Surviving are his wife, Arnette Crocker Tressel, his son, Paul S. Tressel, III and family of Roanoke, VA, his devoted daughter, Gretchen Hunter Tressel Moser, of Salem, VA  and  two precious grandchildren, Addie and Cole, whom he adored. Also surviving are his sisters whom he loved beyond measure, Julia Carper Tressel of Norfolk, Rebekah Virginia Tressel Wise of Ivy, VA, and Jane Ariana Tressel of Waynesboro. He is also survived  by his niece, Ariana Orner, and brother-in-law, Richard Wise. Also surviving are many dear cousins throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois, from the Bean, Arthur, Tucker, Martin, Benedict and Tressel families. 

Sam is preceded in death by his sweet mother, Addie Rebekah Bean Tressel, and father, Paul S. Tressel, Sr., longtime residents of Waynesboro VA, and beloved aunts and uncles throughout Virginia, Maryland, and New York, including those closest to him: John Hunter Bean, William J. and Melton Randolph Bean; Mary Bennett Martin, Josephine Ruth Arthur, Virginia Hampton Sargent, Katharine Van Meter Tucker and Ruth Tressel McDermott. Sam had many seasons of fond memories from spending seaside vacations with " Aunt Teeny" (Kathryn Tucker), "Aunt Gee" (Virginia Sargent) and "Aunt Ruth" McDermott and cousins from his extended family.

Sam attended Virginia Tech University, received his Honorable Discharge following service in the US Army during the Vietnam era, and later graduated from Tech with his degree in Electrical Engineering.

Sam began his career at the Salem VA, GE laboratory, working in turbine development. In 1976 he  joined Audio Center, later to become Audiotronics in Roanoke.  There he designed audio/visual installations for homes and businesses, as well as learning labs for area schools and colleges including Hollins University's first fully integrated language laboratory. In 1993 Sam returned to the Virginia Tech campus as an Electronics Engineer in the Learning Resources Center, repairing audio/visual equipment, as well as  installing and maintaining computerized distance learning satellite systems, which required him to travel statewide. Sam retired in 2018 as VA Tech's Chief Engineer for Digital Video Services.

Sam lived with his wife and twin children in the Raleigh Court area of Roanoke until 1981 when he then moved to his final home in the Hidden Valley area of Salem, VA. Sam loved the Roanoke Valley, and the many friends with whom he had cherished experiences and memories.  Among those, he regarded Charlie Perkinson, long time work associate and radio personality for WVTF Public Radio to be a most valued friend. Photographer Johnny Johnson, deceased, and writer, Esther Johnson, both with whom he traveled the Yucatan were dear and close friends. Paul Ostaseski who was Sam's roommate at Tech and Paul's wife, Susan Ostaseski, Gene and Carol (Froggy) Crossfield Yagow, Fred Liady, deceased, Peter Ostaseski, Ted and Dianne Smith, Doug and Marie Feeman, Dorsey and Linda Taylor, Diane Davis, Margaret Sue (Suzi Turner) and Barry Wright of Roanoke, Linda Poff Wintermeyer, Charles "Buddy" Covey of Smith Mountain Lake and, Bill Willoughby, of New Jersey, were all dear friends of long standing who shared space in Sam's heart.  

Sam's grandfathers were both protestant ministers; father's father Lutheran, mother's father, Methodist, His family held a close relationship with church and community and although these were strong influences in his life, Sam studied other philosophies, eastern and western, drawing guidance from those as well. Listening to music was one of his favorite pastimes and he played various instruments including french horn, classical and 12-string guitars, banjo and other more exotic instruments gifted him by family.

Sam was a humble man, never seeking attention for himself. He loved hiking along the Parkway and he practiced Thoreau-like appreciation for simple living. An avid reader, Sam was a fountainhead of knowledge, soft spoken, and a private person.

He strove to create value throughout his life without disturbance to the life of others.

Sam requested that no special arrangements be made in his honor. 

Memorials in his name maybe contributed to Alzheimer Disease research or to the charity of one's choice. Arrangements are by Simpson Funeral Home, Roanoke, VA.