Photo from Philadelphia’s annual Ride of Silence
Philadelphia’s bicycling community learned the tragic news that young cyclist Samuel Ozer had passed away on Sunday, June 21st. Though just 17, he left a strong legacy and will be remembered as the “outstanding young man he had become” by his cycling coach Anne Rock, his friends, work colleagues, and family.
Sam’s grandfather and father were founding members of the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia.
Having just graduated from AIM Academy, he was the captain of the school’s Mountain Biking Team this past year and a volunteer at the Scenic Schuylkill Century for the past two years. He also worked at the Trek store in Manayunk.
According to his mom, he had an amazing life highlighted by this capstone year. Sam graduated from AIM Academy, a school for bright kids with dyslexia and other processing issues. “When Samuel entered AIM in the second grade he didn’t know the sounds of all of his letters,” she said. “AIM changed the trajectory of his life. Co-captain of the school’s mt. bike team and on his robotics’ drive team, Sam also had a passion for fresh powder ski touring. Sam had become strong, balanced, and an excellent team player, undaunted by challenges and noted for his grit.”
There will be a ride in Sam’s honor on Tuesday, June 23 at 6pm. See below for details.
Samuel Ozer on a recent mountain biking trip
SILENT SLOW ROLL RIDE
Samuel Ozer
Tuesday, June 23
Gather at 5:45pm / Roll at 6:00pm
Meet at Cadence, 3740 Main St (next to movie theatre)
We will ride out and back on MLK drive
Contact Anne Rock for more information arock@aimpa.org
IMPORTANT: COVID-19 Precautions/Safety Measures in Effect:
KEEP AWAY
Symptomatic? Stay away and send your love via social media.
KEEP IT CHILL
Our pace will be snail like. This is not the ride to “send it.”
KEEP COVERED
It they ask, wear a mask. When gathered before the ride, please wear a mask. Up to you in your group of 10 if you want to wear it while riding.
KEEP IT TO YOURSELF
Be prepared! Please use your own equipment. Do not share pumps, tubes, water, snacks with others. This ride is self-supported so make sure your bike is in good condition and working order.
KEEP IT SMALL
We will stay in groups of 10 and remain as separate as can be.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Bring hand sanitizer, wipes and avoid touching your face.
KEEP IT QUIET
Once the ride begins, keep it quiet. This ride is a time for silent contemplation in the company of others who loved Sam. We can talk and remember Sam at the end when we regroup at Cadence.
Sam’s family has told us there will be a graveside funeral for immediate family on Wednesday June 24th, 10am at Har Yehuda Cemetery, 8400 Lansdowne Avenue Upper Darby, PA 19082
I would to extend to you my deepest sympathy and condolences on your loss. I feel you pain and if there is anything I can do please contact me.
To Sidney and Mindy,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear son Samuel. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories of him. Please know that your EPA family shares your grief and feels this loss to a member of our family too. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers as we ask that God in his mercy give you strength to move forward. May you be comforted among mourners. In friendship. Bettina Dunn
Hi. Just a quick question: Cadence’s address is 3740 Main Street, but I see a different address here. Is the ride starting somewhere else? Thanks!
Hi Ken: You’re right; the address sent out from BCP was the old address. We have updated and will let BCP know, as well.
The shop is just down the street on Main Street from the old shop. It’s in the parking lot near the AMC movie theatre. You won’t be able to miss it,
Dear Mindy and family, please accept my most sincere condolences for the loss of your son, Sam. I unfortunately know the pain of losing my first born son in a very untimely way. I can only offer you the experience and comfort of a mother who can fully empathize with you. I pray for you to have the Faith and strength to survive this loss. Know that the love of Sam for his mother and mother for her son, will never die. Remember Sam always, speak of him often. Keep his memory alive and strong. In doing so you know that you have not lost him; but just changed your relationship with him… GOD bless and keep you…
Your Tree Tender Alumni
I am so sorry. You and your family are in my prayers.
Peace and blessings to Mindy, Sidney and loved ones of precious Sam Ozer 🥀💝🛐
My heart is aching for Samuel, Mindy, and Sid. Such a senseless and tragic loss of a loving, thoughtful, and passionate young man. My deepest condolences to Sid and Mindy and everyone who knew and loved Samuel.
Im am so sorry for your loss. May his memory always be a blessing.
Our hearts are in pieces at the loss of this amazing young man. We are sending our love and sympathies to his amazing parents, Sid and Mindy, for this horrific loss. No words can give you comfort right now, just feel the love from those who care about you, which includes us.
To Mindy and Sidney, I am so deeply heartbroken to hear the news of your beautiful son Samuel’s passing. I am not sure if you remember me – Carson De Marco’s Grandmother from Aim Academy. I have so many great memories of Samuel, remember his love of learning and being a good friend to Carson, and how he blossomed once he got to Aim. He created so many wonderful projects and was such a pleasure to see him grow into a fine student and handsome young man. I know you were so very proud of him and all that he accomplished. Sending you my heartfelt condolences to your and your family.
Sincerely, Florence DeMarco.
Dear Mindy and Sid,
Our heart breaks with this most tragic news. Sam was gifted in so many special ways and at such a young age loved the outdoors intensely. He experienced so much joy from your inspiration and parenting.
May his memory be an everlasting blessing.
Dear Mindy and Sid —
Your beautiful boy, becoming a man, will always be forever in your hearts. You gave him your best. I cant help but think he is shining on a mountain trail on the other side.
“Just remember, death is not the end….” Bob Dylan.
Yours in deepest love and sympathy, Barb Smith
Sid and Mindy,
I am heartbroken and very sad to hear about Samuel. He was taken from you too soon. You have so many good memories with him. If there is anything I can do for you, please reach out to me. I will keep you in my thought and prayers.
Dear Sid & Mindy,
We are so very sorry for your loss of your son, Sam. Words can’t begin to touch the profound ache. Just know that your community loves you and holds you close and celebrates Sam’s life with you. May you find peace.
In deepest sympathy,
Betsy &Chris
I rode last night in Sam’s memory…and honor. Words cannot begin to express such a loss in life. I am so sorry.
Dear Mindy and Sid,
Ross, Christian, Hannah and I are heartbroken at the devastating loss of Sam. He was simply the best. Please accept our deepest sympathies. We are always here for you.
Heartbreaking. Sid and Mindy I was you all the best in finding the place to remember your son and find consolation for his loss. Best wishes, Charlie
This is heartbreaking. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family.