Dr. Allan Robert Sampson
January 30, 2021
DR. ALLAN ROBERT SAMPSON: 75, of Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2021. He was a beloved son, brother, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his sons, Michael and Joshua Sampson; daughter-in-law, Leslie Wiggins; grandchildren, Jordan and Talia Sampson; sister, Rhea Sampson; and endless cousins, friends, and colleagues. Preceded in death by his parents, Casper and Frances Sampson, and his sister, Susan Sampson. Allan lived his life with purpose, passion, and intellectual curiosity. Born in New York, he proudly grew up in Winnipeg, before moving to Los Angeles. After graduating from the University of California – Los Angeles and Stanford University, and living in Tallahassee and Chicago, Allan made Pittsburgh his home for more than 40 years. He was the founding chair of, and a professor in, the Department of Statistics at the University of Pittsburgh. Allan was also an active member of Congregation Dor Hadash and the greater Jewish community. In addition, a survivor of childhood polio, Allan was a tireless advocate for handicapped accessibility. He was also a world traveler, an opera and symphony lover, a modern art aficionado, and a die-hard Pitt basketball fan. He believed deeply in the goodness of people, the importance of relationships, and the idea of tzedekah. His warmth, generosity, and humor will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations be made in his honor to Congregation Dor Hadash, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, or to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1 N. Linden Street, Duquesne, PA 15110. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com
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We were very saddened to learn that Dr Sampson passed away. For years, he, his son, and grandchildren, sat next to us at Pitt Basketball games at the Petersen Events Center. He was always such a great and loyal Pitt fan who we will miss when we are able to return to the games.
By Dave & Elaine Atchison - February 07, 2021
I met Allan Sampson when I came to work at Pitt in 1981 in the Math and Statistics Department. He was a very welcoming presence there for me when I first arrived, and came to be a friend. He was kind, thoughtful, a good listener, very encouraging, and had a wonderful sense of humor. My thoughts go out to his family and his friends. Rest in peace Dr. Sampson - you will be missed by many.
By Mary Ann Struthers - February 04, 2021
Dear Michael, Josh and family, my deepest condolences on the passing of your dear father, grandfather. Allan was an extraordinary man. Intelligent, kind and fun loving. He was a wonderful friend and cousin to my late husband Norman. We enjoyed many happy times together. May his memory be a blessing. Susan
By Susan Isenstein - February 03, 2021
My heart goes out to you Rhea and the rest of his loved ones.
By Diedre Burke - February 02, 2021