Samuel Francis Scott of Madison, WI died at home on October 8, 2024. He was born in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1938 to Samuel and Winifred Scott. He graduated from Boston College High School and Boston College. Sam earned his Ph.D. in History from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Sam is survived by Denise, his wife of 63 years, sons Robert (Paula) and Timothy (Kristen) and grandchildren Katherine, Duncan, Micah and Tobias. He is also survived by his sister Catherine Scott and sister-in-law Deborah Kasik. Sam was preceded in death by his parents and by brother-in-law John (Terry) Waggett and sister-in-law Druscilla (William) Powell, and by his “frère” Jean Paul Bertaud.

Sam taught French History at Wayne State University in Detroit for 35 years, published three books and was Professor Emeritus. In the 1960s research fellowships took Sam, Denise and their boys to live in Paris twice. He and Denise spent two years in England when he was an Exchange Professor at University of Salford near Manchester. His areas of special expertise were the French Revolution and the French involvement in the American Revolution.

After retirement from teaching and publishing, Sam and Denise started an antiques business. Together they traveled in New England and the Midwest buying and selling antiques. They lived in historic homes in Rhode Island before returning to Madison. As a Francophile and as “Papa” to his grandchildren, he was known for his love of good red wine and gummy bears. His family remembers him for his integrity and sense of fairness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. 2116 Hollister Ave. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 5701 Odana Rd, Madison, and again on Friday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Solace Friends, 4142 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53716, or to the F. Richard Place Endowed Memorial Award, Wayne State University History Department, 42 W. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48201, or to Doctors Without Borders at donate.doctorswithoutborders.org.

Ryan Funeral Home

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

Samuel Scott

January 10, 1938 - October 08, 2024

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