Samuel Morrison Schlesinger

Samuel Morrison Schlesinger (Sam), age 19, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. After an intense, courageous battle with bipolar and depression, his pain became unbearable.

Sam was the epitome of a little brother. A sensitive and mischievous child who absolutely adored his older brother, and was loved dearly by his three older step-siblings.

Sam will always be remembered for his infectious laugh, sheer determination, endless curiosity, inspired creativity, unique fashion style, and witty sense of humor.

Some of the most meaningful accomplishments of of Sam’s all too brief life were:

• Performing in multiple concerts, chamber groups, and musicals at Northeast School of Art (NESA)
• Creating original musical compositions and writing poetry 
• Organizing photo shoots and participating in local photography meetups
• Creating his own professional website for photography samsleshi.com
• Documenting, archiving, and creating a digital family tree with over 120 family members and over 140 photos
• His first solo exhibit of photographs titled “Sam’s Jazz Club” at 1906 Gallery

Sam was preceded in death by his grandfather, Orrin Robert Smith, who passed on February, 10, 1996, and his uncle, William Drake Smith, who passed on March 16, 1994. 

Sam is survived by his loving family: mother Elizabeth Smith Woody (Jonathan), father Mark Schlesinger (Elise), brother Will Schlesinger and step-siblings Grant Cayton-Woody, Noa Barenblat, and Benjamin Barenblat. His grandmothers Oralia Leal Smith of San Antonio, TX and Dorothy Schlesinger of Sarasota, FL. His cousin Violet Smith of Austin, TX. His Woody family: Grandad and Granny (Jim and Bobbye) of Weatherford, TX and Uncle Nathan and Aunt Emily, cousins Natalie, Nora, Eli, Gretta, and Georgia of Katy, TX.

Sam was buried with his grandfather, Orrin Smith, at Holy Cross Cemetery on March 16, 2024. A celebration of life is planned for April 27, 2024.

Donations in Sam's memory can be made to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance at dbsalliance.org or the Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors at allianceofhope.org.

Call or text 988 if you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide. Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for people in distress.