Former CSUN faculty member Sam Feldman passed away peacefully in his sleep May 10 while on vacation with his wife Heidi on the island of Kauai.

Feldman was born in New York, but spent most of his youth in Southern California.

He received a degree in journalism at the University of Southern California, starting his lifelong passions for writing and following the events of the world.

He began his professional career working as a journalist for local papers, including the San Bernardino Sun.

He then switched to teaching, becoming a journalism teacher at San Bernardino High School. He lived in Fontana with his first wife Nancy, and raised four children, Michael, Tyler, Faith and Cobi.

He returned to school to earn a master’s degree at Redlands University, and later earned a doctorate at the University of California, Los Angeles.

He then joined the journalism faculty at CSUN where he taught for 25 years.

He and his second wife, Heidi, were married in 1978 and had their daughter Julia in 1983.

Following Sam’s retirement in 1993, they moved from Redondo Beach to Pacific Grove. He taught a popular course for international officers at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.

Here, he inspired many students from around the world, culminating a lifelong career of teaching from the heart and mind.

Feldman was a spirited tennis player at the Pacific Grove public tennis court.

He recently spearheaded an effort to resurface the courts. His “Court of Dreams” will be dedicated at a ceremony in June.

Always lively and enthusiastic in nature, Feldman made lifelong friends wherever he went. He enjoyed travelling across the globe with his family, and had a fondness for baseball and sailing. He loved sports and was an avid reader. His generosity, bright smile and easy laugh cheered all who knew him.

Feldman was preceded in death by his sons Michael and Tyler.

He is survived by his wife Heidi, his daughters Julia, Faith and Cobi, 5 grandchildren, and his brother Arnold, as well as many other loving family members in the United States and in Germany.

A celebration of his life will be held on May 21 at 5 p.m. at Pacific Coast Church, 511 Central Ave., Pacific Grove.

Memorial contributions may be made to support children of Nepal, In Memory of Sam Feldman, Acc. # 1811254828, c/o Washington Mutual Bank, 569 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA 93950, or a charity of choice.