~From Roots to Shoots~

Dear Friends and Clients,

Many of you may not know the origins of Shreiner Tree Care. Its inception dates back to 1984 when I left St. Joe’s Prep and transferred to Radnor High School. While attending Radnor High School, I had great classmates, a lot of fun, and looking back some pretty cool teachers. Ellie Doerr, Ms. Murphy, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Chidester, and wrestling coaches Skip Shoemaker and Bill Gerstemeier to name a few. One teacher in particular set me on a path by introducing me to the art and skill of climbing and maintaining trees. My phys ed teacher and early mentor, Sam Virgilio.

Sam, also known as Mr. V, started his career at Radnor High School in 1963. Always the model of fitness, wearing his signature look of the 80s in an upturned, collared polo under an Oxford shirt. As long as the outside temperature stayed above 40 degrees, Sam was in shorts. During his career at Radnor, Sam was well regarded by all students and faculty. He was known for his friendly smile, gentle approach, and willingness to lend an ear. Sam enthusiastically embraced the roles of teacher, coach, and mentor to many students until his retirement in 1998.

At an early age, I started my neighborhood landscaping business. I really loved the physical work and the sense of accomplishment that came at the end of each day. During the Summer months, when Sam was not teaching, he operated his own tree care business. It was Sam who suggested I expand my landscaping business to include caring for trees. Sam offered to teach me how to climb. Over the next few years, even after I graduated, Sam continued to teach me the “ropes” of tree climbing and caring for trees. He took the time and energy to teach me all about arboriculture.

Since the first time I met Sam, I was impressed by his humility, his concern for others, and respect for all creatures. In his college years at West Chester University, Sam was the captain of his football, track, and gymnastics teams. He is also a world-class archer and a pretty darn good golfer as well. Sam is a devoted family man and has been married to his wife, Hattie for 61 years. I’ll always think of Sam as one of my earliest mentors and will never forget the impact he has had on my life.

I feel fortunate that Sam and Hattie allowed me the privilege to interview and document some of his life experiences, and to thank him for contributing so much to my life. Please take a moment and enjoy this video.

Sincerely,
Steve