Samuel W Scriven

Samuel “Sam” Scriven, 92 died , Friday, October 7, 2016 at his home after a long illness. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Joseph, Sr. and Katie Hamilton Scriven. He was a product of the Trenton School System, attending Lincoln Elementary School and graduating from Trenton High School. Sam was drafted in the Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. Upon his discharge from the military, Sam took advantage of the GI Bill of Rights and attended Rutgers University where he commuted with Arthur J. Holland who went on to become Mayor of Trenton for many years (or as Sam used to say “Mayor for Life”). Sam graduated from Rutgers University in 1955 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He then pursued a career in education with the Trenton School System as an elementary school teacher . He later went on to earn a Masters Degree in 1966 from Trenton State College and later became an administrator in the Trenton School System. Sam became principal of Jefferson School in 1971 and thereafter principal of Columbus School until his retirement ,having served the Trenton School System for over 35 years. Sam, the dedicated educator, understood the power of education and how it impacted his own personal success, and as a result, he wished the same success for every child he ever encountered. He also did not settle for mediocrity and he firmly believed in bringing out the best in all of his students and staff. Sam was a lifelong member of the Democratic political party. During the turbulent 1960’s, he was called upon by the Trenton Board of Education (due to his strength and stamina as an educator) to play a key role in helping to racially integrate Trenton public schools by moving his all boys class from Junior High School #5 to Harrison School. Sam Scriven married Sarah Johnson of Trenton, New Jersey (daughter of Augustus and Idella Johnson) and of this marital union, two sons were born, Lionel A. Scriven and Mark E. Scriven. Sam was a founding and long-time member of the Friendship Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and received a 60 years of Fraternity Service Award in July 2015 to recognize his service as “ a mentor and advisor to many and an ardent supporter of Delta Upsilon’s commitment to community service”. Sam was an avid gardener and maintained the same garden (in memory of this beloved wife Sarah) for over sixty years at the Ewing Township home that they owned. In addition, he was an entrepreneur, pursuing business and real estate ventures. Sam is survived by his two sons, Lionel A. Scriven of Lambertville New Jersey and Mark E. Scriven,of Weston, Florida, a daughter-in-law, Lorna Lewis and a grandson, Malik Scriven (also of Weston, Florida), a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held at the Friendship Baptist Church, Monday, October 17, 2016 (111 Perry Street) at 10:00 a.m. with a military burial at the Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Friendship Baptist Church Scholarship Ministry.