Samuel Joseph Huffman III, Longtime Holiday Valley Employee, Passes at 55
Great Valley resident and 35-year Holiday Valley employee Samuel “Sam” Huffman III passed away Jan. 10, 2026 at Roswell Park, remembered for his dedication to family, community, and the local ski industry.
GREAT VALLEY - Samuel Joseph Huffman III (Sam), 55, of Great Valley/Ellicottville, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Roswell Park in Buffalo, surrounded by loved ones after his long battle with cancer.
Sam was born September 24, 1970 in Fairbanks, Alaska, the son of the late Samuel Joseph Huffman Jr. (2/25/2006) and Kathy Jane (Peterson) Huffman-Herleman of Leetonia, Ohio. He was a 1990 graduate of Randolph Central School and was a 35 year employee of Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville.
He is survived by his mother, Kathy Jane Herelman (Late John) of Ohio; two children, Chloe Huffman of West Valley, NY and Kenny Jackson of Olean; six siblings, Dr. John (Dawn) Huffman of Waterford, PA, Robert Huffman of Cary, NC, David (Libby) Huffman of Desoto, Missouri, Kim (Brian) Laubacker of Wildwood, Missouri, Tina (Chad) Migge of Canton, Ohio, and Alicia Huffman of Pittsburgh; and three grandchildren, Iyana, Mya and Rylynn.
As per Sam’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services held. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be announced by the VanRensselaer & Son Funeral Home, 14 Church Street, Randolph, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice. To send a condolence, log onto www.vanrensselaerandsonfuneralhome.com.