Samuel Abraham Garland, 88, of Buffalo Mills, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2020, at home with his wife whom he called Annette and his home caregiver and cousin, Erica Bockhouse, at his side. He was born on February 4, 1932, in Milligans Cove, Buffalo Mills, a son of the late M. Grace (Stouffer) and Carl W. Garland. Mr. Garland is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Mary Annette Palmer-Garland of Buffalo Mills. He was preceded in death by his first wife of thirty-five years, Catherine Santangelo Garland of Norristown, and is survived by their son, Marc Vincent Garland of Singapore and granddaughter, Shanna Aria Garland of Southampton, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Carl Garland and H. William Garland of Buffalo Mills, and one sister, Carle Garland Huntsman of Bedford. He is survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, caregivers, neighbors, two brothers-in-law and their families.
Mr. Garland graduated from Schellsburg Napier High School in 1949 and received a Degree in Accounting from Southeastern University. He also studied at George Washington University.
He served the United States Government faithfully and proudly for over twenty-five years on six continents. He was employed with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and received his first overseas assignment to Japan in 1953. For over twenty-two years, he served his country undercover as an Overseas Financial Operative for the CIA in more than twelve countries, including but not limited to Japan, Saipan, Greece, Lebanon, Australia, Laos and Argentina.
Mr. Garland retired from the Agency with distinction in 1976. He was recognized for his sustained superior performance of high value and his exceptional knowledge of financial matters, coupled with his low-key approach to problems and his engaging wit, all earning him the respect and confidence of his superiors and colleagues alike. He was equally valued by his friends and family who especially enjoyed his kindness, his honesty, his vast knowledge of history and current events and his excellent sense of humor.
Mr. Garland’s family church was the Milligans Cove Christian Church where his paternal grandfather was once pastor. He also was a friend of St. James Episcopal Church of Bedford and the Church of the Holy Trinity of Philadelphia. In addition, he was a member of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Sportsman Club of Philadelphia. Having traveled extensively, Mr. Garland, an avid golfer, played golf all over the world and was known for several holes-in-one. He was especially recognized for his putting abilities. Locally he was a long-term member of the Bedford Elks Golf and Country Club and the Sons of the Bedford American Legion. He was also a founding member of the Milligans Cove Historical Society in 2008. A special thank you goes to the staff of the Bedford UPMC Home Health and Family Hospice for their dedication, expertise, work and care for Sam during his illness.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Milligans Cove Christian Church in Buffalo Mills with Rev. H. John Miller and Rev. Jeffrey Bassette officiating. Burial at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Bedford. Friends will be received on Saturday from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Church. At the family’s request, those in attendance are required to observe the recommendations pertaining to wearing masks and social distancing. Gifts in Sam’s memory may be floral or contributions to the Milligans Cove Christian Church c/o Carle M. Garland, 131 Ross Drive Apt. #6, Bedford, PA 15522 or St. James Episcopal Church, 309 South Richard Street, Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.