Family, firefighters, colleagues and friends are mourning the loss of Upper Macungie Supervisors' Vice Chairman and Fire Marshal Samir "Sam" Ashmar who died suddenly Nov. 20.

Ashmar, 51, from Breinigsville, was pronounced dead 8:52 p.m. last Thursday in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said.

Ashmar also served on the Upper Macungie Township Planning Commission and Authority since 2006.

For the past 32 years, Ashmar has been a volunteer firefighter, having served with Good Will Fire Company, No. 1, Trexlertown, Lower Macungie Township Station 30, and most recently as fire marshal and EMT for Upper Macungie Township Station 56.

He was an assistant to the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal, and held memberships in the International, National and Pennsylvania Association of Arson Investigators.

Ashmar also served on the Board of Directors for the Burn Prevention Foundation, Allentown, from 2000 to 2009.

Vice president in the Credit Management Group for Wells Fargo, Reading office, Ashmar was employed in the banking industry for more than 25 years.

Born in Beirut, Le-banon, he was the son of Rommy "Youmna" Ashmar and the late Fadel Ashmar.

He was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Wescosville.

He and his wife of 27 years, Sharon L. (Miller) Ashmar, are the parents of two children, Makala and Joshua.

In addition to his wife, children and mother, Ashmar is survived by his brother Andrew and wife, June Ashmar, sisters Haya "Jacqui," wife of Richard Howells, Marina, wife of Eugene Giovannini, Nawel, wife of Rob Varno, and Sabina, wife of Marty Kineen.

He was predeceased by a daughter Sierra.

Upper Macungie Supervisors' Chairman James Brunell, Supervisor Kathy Rader and Township Manager Daniel Olpere spoke with The Press during the morning of Nov. 21.

"All of us would like to express our sincere condolences to the family," Brunell said on behalf of the township. "He was extremely dedicated to the community and to the fire service. He will be greatly missed by the community."

Rader added Ashmar was a great asset to the fire service.

Olpere, who is a recent addition to the township staff, spoke of his new friend.

"In the short period of time I have been here, Sam was extremely welcoming to me," Olpere said. "He was a warm and passionate man who was very active in his community.

"He was a pleasure to work with. He was a super guy."

During a gathering of firefighters, police officers, family and friends Saturday at Station 56, Makala Ashmar commented about her dad's death and the care he received.

"As you all know, this past Thursday evening, this community lost a dedicated public servant, friend and hero," Makala said. "Those who knew my father have described him as a selfless man with a heart of gold, who was devoted to serving others."

Makala said her father loved the community and cherished his family and friends, many of whom serve Upper Macungie as firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel.

"When my father collapsed at home this past Thursday evening, neighbors and members of the Upper Macungie Township Police, the three local fire stations of the Upper Macungie Township Bureau of Fire – 8, 25 and 56, as well as Cetronia Ambulance, rushed to our home to administer emergency aid," Makala said. "At that point, my family knew my father was in the most capable hands and surrounded by those who truly loved him.

"On behalf of my entire family, I want to publicly thank all of the first responders who did their very best to save my dad and stayed with us at Lehigh Valley Hospital into the early morning hours on Friday."

Makala also thanked the many people from throughout the community who showered the family with prayers, compassion and support, and who have shared stories of her father and the influence he had in their lives.

"The outpouring of love we received from residents of our community my father cared so deeply about has been a source of great encouragement and support to our family," Makala said. "There are truly no words to adequately express our gratitude.

"Finally to Upper Macungie Township Fire Commissioner Grant Grim, Chief Leroy Gross and the entire team at Station 56, my dad loved you all so much and considered you family.

"My father would have been moved to tears by the incredible support you have provided to us following his death. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives."

Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th, for whom Makala works, offered his condolences to the family.

"Sam Ashmar loved his family very much, and he loved working for his extended family, the people of Upper Macungie Township, as both a supervisor and fire marshal," Dent emailed The Press. "Sam's energy, intelligence and work ethic were a great boon to the community.

"His passing has had a profound impact on my staff and me because Sam's daughter, Makala, does great work for constituents as an employee in my Lehigh Valley office.

"Sam will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Makala and the entire Ashmar family."

Several of Ashmar's friends spoke with The Press following his death.

"Sam was most dedicated to the community and to being a father," Grim said. "I don't know how he got it all done."

Upper Macungie Township Police Chief Edgardo Colón spoke of Ashmar's commitment to the community.

"It is an extremely difficult time in Upper Macungie Township as we in this community mourn the loss of Sam Ashmar," said Colón. "It would be very difficult to find someone more committed to public service.

"Not only did he serve on the board of supervisors, he was very active with the Upper Macungie Township Bureau of Fire and was part of bringing it to the progressive and outstanding fire service it is.

"I personally am proud to have worked with him in matters concerning public safety."

Upper Macungie Township Police Criminal Investigations and Community Services Division Commander Lt. Pete Nickischer spoke of Ashmar's devotion to family.

"I feel sadness when I think about the sudden death of Sam Ashmar," said Nickischer. "However, I also feel there is much to celebrate about the life of a man who truly cared about the safety of the residents of Upper Macungie Township.

"Sam took great pride in the township fire services as well as the police force. I admired his loyalty to his community.

"Sam was a devoted husband, father, son and brother, and he will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege to work alongside him."

Linda Gorr, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Good Will Fire Company, No. 1 recalled the fun side of Ashmar's life.

"Sam was a true friend to all," Gorr said. "We all knew when Sam was around, the laughing, the pranks and the other things that cannot be published.

"He was always hanging out at the firehouse. He enjoyed being there and thrived on the brotherhood.

Gorr also discussed Ashmar being a mentor to the newer members of the fire company.

"He became a mentor to so many who joined the fire company, but he also took the time to listen and learn from the old timers," Gorr said. "He took time listening and learning from anyone around him and then used that wisdom to teach others.

"Fire service was his second family."

Gorr said on Saturdays, when many members of the Ladies Auxiliary were at the fire station making food for various occasions, Ashmar would show up to help.

"He was a charmer to the older women, always kissing them on the cheek," Gorr said. "It was his sly way of getting to taste some of the food they were preparing."

She added everyone could count on Ashmar for a hug, a huge smile, a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen.

"No matter if it took time away from himself, you were more important," Gorr said. "He will be missed by many."

Carl Schmoyer III of Breinigsville, a friend of Ashmar's, said he was at a loss for words.

"The loss of Sam will leave a void in everyone's heart that will never be replaced," Schmoyer said.

Upper Macungie Fire Safety Inspector and New Tripoli Fire Chief Pete Christ emailed The Press about his friend.

"Sam was a huge proponent of the fire inspection program in Upper Macungie Township," Christ said. "In addition to being a supportive township supervisor, he was an incredible benefit to the fire service of Upper Macungie Township and surrounding townships.

"I am proud to say he was a friend."

Ashmar's funeral arrangements were made by Schmoyer Funeral Home, Breinigsville.

Contributions in his memory may be made with checks payable to the "Samir Ashmar Education Fund" for the benefit of Josh and Makala's future education c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 190, PA 18031.