Samuel A. Labeach II

Sam was born in Panama City, Panama and raised in Kingston, Jamaica transitioned peacefully at home in Washington, DC on November 22, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Sam was the fifth of six boys born to Samuel A. LaBeach, Sr. and Julia Louise Johnston LaBeach, both from the Parish of Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica. Sam was predeceased by his wife of 71 years, Nell LaBeach, and five brothers: George, Donald, Harold, Lloyd, and Byron. Sam leaves behind a son, Samuel A. LaBeach III, granddaughter, Courtney Janell LaBeach, and grandson, Samuel A. LaBeach IV; and several nieces/nephews, grandnieces/nephews, and cousins.

Sam attended Morgan State College (University) and was one of the pioneering athletes that established Morgan as a national and international powerhouse.

Sam was a member of the D.C Recreation and Park Society; the influential American Academy for park and Recreation Administrators, whose membership is restricted to those who have made exceptional contributions to Parks and Recreation; the National Recreation and Parks Association; the National Association of Social Workers; the Metropolitan Washington Soccer Referee Association, where he refereed for 15 years; served on the Board of Directions and/or Trustees of the U.S. Olympic Committee; United Planning Organization; N.W. settlement House; Police Boys Club; The Caribbean American Intercultural Organization (CAIO); the United States Youth Games, where he served as coordinator from its inception in 1966 to its final year in 1974. He was a founder member and President (1987-89) of the Roundtable Associates, an organization dedicated to recreation.

Sam became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in 1949 and was an active and financial member of the Washington Alumni Chapter serving on several committees and receiving numerous awards. He was inducted into the Morgan Hall of Fame in 1974 and was a member of the Morgan State Varsity “M” Club, and Chairman of the One Hundred-Dollar Club Athletic Endowment Fund, which awarded scholarships to Morgan athletes; He was also a member of the organizing committee of the MSU Legacy Track Meet which was established to honor Morgan’s track and field greats.

Sam was a faithful member of Berean Baptist Church for 70 years.

At the age of 98, Sam remained active in the church and by attending Morgan State football games, and caring for his wife of 71 years. Sam will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, friends and community and as all-around good guy.