Samuel John Fairbank

     Samuel John Fairbank was born on June 28, 1978 in Baltimore, Maryland to Lori and Ken Fairbank, raised by Gran and Pop, and passed away on May 21, 2026 in Vienna, Italy.

     He was fiercely proud of his Maryland roots – from Old Bay crabs to college and professional sports. Sam was an avid reader, talented musician, lover of good food, and appreciated intelligent conversation and quick-witted humor.

     Sam enlisted in the US Army at seventeen and had a proud twenty-six-year career defined by leadership, excellence, and selfless service. During his time in the military, he earned the respect of all who served alongside him through his unwavering integrity, directness, and commitment to the mission and Soldiers he led.

     Sam excelled as a Soldier and relentlessly obtained many prestigious special skills badges, to include Drill Sergeant, Pathfinder, Ranger, and Master Parachutist. His two greatest accomplishments as a Soldier were serving as First Sergeant at Fort Hood, Texas, and earning his Master Parachutist wings. But above all, he was immensely proud to be an Airborne Ranger. The maroon beret signified to everyone who he was and what he stood for.

     He had multiple combat deployments to Kuwait (2002, 2003), Iraq (2007-2009, 2009-2010) and Afghanistan (2011-2012, 2019-2020).

     During his illustrious career, Sam was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award).

     Upon retirement from Active Duty in 2022, Sam continued to support the country he loved and the US Military’s mission as a government contractor in both Germany and Italy.

     Sam is survived by four children: Joshua Fairbank, Dylan Fairbank, Savannah Fairbank, and Penelope Fairbank. Sam’s life will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, June 13th, at the Moore Funeral Home, P.A. 12 South Second Street in Denton, MD, where friends may visit with the family from 10 until 11 before the service. The interment will be in the Arlington National Cemetery. In

     lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the USO (give.uso.org).

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