Irvin Lawrence "Sam" Muszynski, Jr.

Irvin Lawrence “Sam” Muszynski, Jr., age 72, of Frederick, MD and Montross, VA died at his home in Frederick on October 31, 2023 from lung cancer. He was born in Oak Park, IL on March 10, 1951, to Irvin and Eleanor (Szumylo) Muszynski. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen (Waddel) Muszynski.

Sam graduated from Notre Dame Prep School in Niles, IL in 1968 and received a B.A. and MSW from the University of Illinois in 1975. He graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from George Mason University School of Law in 1986.

Mr. Muszynski had a distinguished career spanning five decades dedicated to expanding access to mental health care and insurance coverage. From 1998 to 2019, he held the prominent position of Senior Policy Advisor and Director of Parity Implementation and Compliance at the American Psychiatric Association (APA). During this time, he played a pivotal role in the passage and implementation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the development of parity compliance assessment protocols later adopted by the Federal Government.  As a partner in the law firm of Goldman Marshall and Muszynski, his contributions extended beyond the APA, encompassing numerous roles addressing a range of mental health and addiction care access issues. Most recently he served as the subject matter expert and founding partner of Parity Compliance Associates, established to assist individual states in implementing parity laws. He was the author of numerous publications and was a nationally recognized expert in the field of mental health parity law where his legacy lives on and his knowledge and leadership will be greatly missed.

In addition to his significant professional accomplishments, Sam was a dedicated ballroom dancer who worked to advance his skills for over 20 years, never quite getting his performance up to his own impossibly high standards. He was an aficionado of Italian wine and classical music, but most of all he will be remembered for his charismatic wit and his incredible cooking, a talent he loved to regularly share with friends and family. 

Sam will be greatly missed by his wife Karen; son Michael Muszynski and wife, Colleen Cardellina and granddaughter, Robin; daughter Heather Muszynski; his brothers David Muszynski and wife Arlene; Daniel Muszynski and wife Jamnean; cousins Donald Lukowski and wife Karen; Susan Rosenmayer and husband Howard; Mary Farkas and husband David; Edward Szumylo and wife Deneen; Mark Szumylo; Gary Szumylo and wife Bonnie; Leonard Jachimek and wife Debbie; Gail Szumylo; Debbie Szumylo; and Laurie Szumylo;nephews Joseph Muszynski; John Muszynski and wife Kelsey; Mathew Muszynski and wife Lisa; nieces Alinda Muszynski; Julie Anderson and husband Chris; Amanda Pratt and husband Mike; in addition to many grand-nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring of 2024. Donations can be made in memory of Sam to the Healthy Harvest Food Bank of Warsaw, VA and Frederick Health Hospice in Frederick, MD.  Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.