Altschuler, Samuel (1927-2023)

Engineer, Executive, Entrepreneur, Family Man

Samuel Altschuler passed away quietly at home on Sunday, February 5, 2023 attended to by his loving wife Nancy Jo and many of his family members. Sam was 95 years old.

Sam received his B.S.E.E. (Electrical Engineering) degree from the University of Connecticut in June, 1950. He began his career as a manufacturing engineer with the Western Electric Company, the highly respected manufacturing arm of AT&T. In September of 1957 Sam joined Honeywell in Boston, MA as a senior quality assurance engineer. The following year, 1958, was a very important year for Sam. In March, he met his future wife Nancy Jo. In May, Sam received his MBA degree from Northeastern University. In August, Sam and Nancy Jo became engaged, purchased a home in Lexington, MA, and were married shortly thereafter. In 1959, Sam accepted a position of Vice President of Manufacturing from Adage, a designer and manufacturer of high-tech computer graphic systems.

In the late 1960's Sam noted that a large number of rapidly growing electronic companies were locating their new companies around Route 128, which became known as America's Technology Highway. Sam saw a great opportunity for a professionally managed, high-tech manufacturer of printed circuit boards to support this growth. Sam decided that after twenty years of electronic manufacturing experience he was ready to start a new company. He named the new company Altron (Altschuler Electronics). The company grew rapidly by continually expanding their capability from the manufacture of printed circuit boards to the assembly and test of complete electronic systems. Sam further expanded the business by purchasing a company in Fremont, California to serve the "Silicon Valley" West Coast market. Sam always said that the key to Altron's success was the outstanding quality and dedication of the Altron team which he was very proud to lead for 28 years.

Sam became very well known in the industry and he was very active in the IPC (the printed circuit industry trade association). He served as President of the IPC from 1992-1994.

After almost 50 years in industry Sam retired in 1998. Sam and Nancy Jo decided to spend more time together finding opportunities to increase their philanthropic activities. They decided to focus primarily on healthcare and education including Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, University of Connecticut, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Sam and Nancy Jo took great pride in making a lasting difference in the world through these and many other deserving organizations.

Sam treasured the time spent with his wife and family. He greatly enjoyed their vacation home in Cape Cod as well as the annual family reunion on Martha's Vineyard. Sam with his wife Nancy Jo and family spent much of their time together sailing, golfing, and playing tennis.

Sam had always been a mentor, leader, and confidant to anyone around him - family, friends, or business associates, it didn't matter. He will forever be remembered for his contributions to the lives and success of others.

Sam leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy Jo and their five wonderful children and their spouses: Jeff and Kate Altschuler, Lisa and Andrew Flessel, Jim and Mona Altschuler, Jon and Melinda Altschuler, Pam and Travis Drouin, and their 11 loving grandchildren: Jay Altschuler, David Altschuler, Jessica Altschuler, Kevin Altschuler, Jacqueline Altschuler, Hannah Altschuler, Zachary Altschuler, Samantha Altschuler, Bianca Drouin, Camryn Flessel, Cole Drouin, and his future granddaughter-in-law Priya Gandhi.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his name to the Hancock United Church of Christ, 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421.

A memorial service and burial were held privately.