09/22/2023
Sammy Ash passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 16th at the age of 65. Last year, he was diagnosed with Advanced Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma which he quietly but courageously battled. Sam is survived by his wife, Rachel, and his four sons: Ben, Max, Alex and Jason. ....
Sammy spent his entire life devoted to his loving family and the musical instrument business. Sam worked tirelessly and pridefully for 50 years to help grow his family's company, Sam Ash Music, to the household name it is today. Thanks to Sam's guidance and leadership, the company is about to reach its 100th year in business.
Samuel Marshall Ash was born to Jerome & Bernice Ash on October 17th 1957. He was named after his grandfather, Samuel Ash, founder of Sam Ash Music and a respected band leader in the early 1900's. Sammy was an astute businessman and an admired figure in the musical instruments industry. He was a proud member of the NAMM Organization (National Association Of Music Merchants) where he once served on the Board of Directors, a title his son Ben currently holds.
Sammy was a talented Guitarist and an influential Guitar Collector who amassed an extraordinary collection over his lifetime, of which he was extremely proud. His encyclopedic knowledge of the Guitar and other vintage instruments inspired Sammy to create Sam Ash Music's Used Instrument Business. Under his guidance and unwavering work ethic, Sam Ash became a premier destination for buying and selling Used & Vintage gear. Sammy was a generous teacher, distributing his knowledge and mentoring many Sam Ash associates on the Used & Vintage Instrument markets. Out of his many roles within his family company, the success of the Used department was his crowning achievement
His love for the music industry and those in it were the fuel that made him excited to work every day of his life (even on weekends and vacations). Sammy effortlessly converted coworkers and business associates into friends over his lifetime, all of whom have the utmost respect and love for him. He made a point to keep in constant contact with his industry friends, finding opportunities to collaborate on projects like custom designed instruments and iconic in store events
Sammy was incredibly grateful for all current and former employees of Sam Ash Music. He knew every individual, no matter what job title they had was integral to make his company one of the best in the world. He was proud of everyone and celebrated their achievements regularly. Sammy rested easy knowing the company he helped build was in great hands. He was most proud to have three of his sons be a part of his family’s legacy and carry it onward to the 100th Anniversary and beyond.
Generous, caring, honest, and talented, Sammy was all those qualities and so much more. Beyond the Music Business, Sammy was a strong and active supporter of the "T Off 4 Autism" charity. Any donations made in his honor should be addressed to them.
https://toff4autism.org/donate.php
