Greenfield, MA – Samuel H. Kaeppel, 82, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2026, following a fall. Born on October 10, 1943, in Greenfield to Morgan E. and M. Arlene (Allen) Kaeppel, Sam will be remembered as a loving family man known for his strong work ethic and knack for business.
Sam graduated from Greenfield High School in 1961 and attended Greenfield Community College. As a child, he raised chickens, pheasants, and rabbits. To help feed his animals, he took a job as a newspaper carrier and sold eggs to his customers to earn extra money. It was during this time that he developed a lifelong interest in coin collecting, often searching through the change he received along his route.
A true people person, Sam loved sharing stories with anyone willing to lend an ear. His outgoing personality led him into a career in sales, where he enjoyed wheeling and dealing. He sold life insurance, cars, and real estate before eventually becoming self-employed, opening Maple Valley in the 1970s, where he sold RVs and truck caps, and founding Sammy K’s Driving Range in the 1990s.
His interest in coins led to a career as a numismatist, which allowed him to travel the country buying and selling coins. Through this work, he was able to visit many interesting places while earning a living, and whenever possible, he brought his family along. Family meant everything to Sam. He especially loved taking them to Maine for vacations, where he could eat seafood and relax on the beach. He enjoyed attending their sports games, dance recitals, and school activities. His family will remember all the countless sacrifices he made on their behalf.
Sam was actively involved in his church. In his younger years, he served as a Sunday School teacher, sharing his faith and love of God with others. Over the years, he served on multiple church committees and faithfully held the role of Trustee until his passing. He remained active and on the go right up until his final day, living life to the fullest.
Sam is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Linda (Rau); his children, Bruce Cowles, Susan Kaeppel, Deborah Kaeppel, Jennifer (James) Bondy, Sam (Tricia) Kaeppel, and Mary (Ed) Morley; his grandchildren, Allison (Scott Barlow) Kaeppel, Presley Bondy, Declan and Kendall Kaeppel, and EJ and Quin Morley; his great-grandchildren, Alexys King and Noah Barlow; his great-great-grandchild, Mateo Ramos; his brother, Bruce (Peggy) Kaeppel; his brothers-in-law, Kevin (Lisa) Rau and Frederick Rau, Jr.; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sam was predeceased by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Nancy Kaeppel, and his sister-in-law, Barbara Rau.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 19, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at McCarthy Funeral Homes, 36 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 20, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 25 Church Street, Greenfield. Interment will follow in the Green River Cemetery, Greenfield, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church of Greenfield. McCarthy Funeral Homes entrusted with Sam’s care and arrangements. Remembrances may be directed to Sam’s Tribute Wall @ www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com
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