Rev. Thomas L. Samson
June 9, 1958 ~ March 25, 2022
Born in:
Meriden, CT
Resided in:
Trinity, FL
Rev. Thomas Lionel Samson, 63, of Trinity, FL passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Judith Durdan. Born and raised in Meriden, CT, he was one of seven children of the late Leo William and Doris S. Rioux Samson. He was educated in the Meriden school system, graduating from St. Joseph School and Platt High School. After graduating he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for six years as the Chaplain’s Assistant before being Honorably Discharged in 1982.
One of Tom’s greatest passions was his faith. He graduated from Emery University, earning his Master’s degree in Divinity towards becoming a Methodist Minister. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1986, and then as an Elder in 1989. He served as a Pastor with the United Methodist Church Conference of Mississippi, working in primarily rural southern churches for 19 years. Tom was extremely proud to help better his church and to watch his parishes grow. His kindness and love for his parishioners was evident to all whose lives he touched. Even after becoming disabled in 2005, Tom continued to serve in the ministry until his final days.
Family was a very important part of Tom’s life, and he always looked forward to family gatherings. He would sneak in a friendly game of chess with whoever was up for a challenge. Most of all, he loved to laugh, always had a smile on his face and a funny joke or story ready to tell. Watching funny movies together was a must. While growing up, he would play George Carlin comedy albums and laugh until he cried. Tom was an avid Red Sox fan and would attend games whenever he had the opportunity. He also enjoyed going to concerts and was always knowledgeable of the histories of many different bands. Tom was a very sweet, kind soul who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Samson; stepchildren, Chelsea Blanchard of Florida and Shawna (Wesley) Santos of Torrington; and two grandchildren who regarded him as ‘Pepe,’ Keila and Wesley Santos, Jr. He will also be dearly missed by his siblings, Paulette Berube, Laurette (Jerry Sr.) Crawford, Lydia (John Jr.) Belancik, and Lorraine Samson, all of Meriden, and Phillip Samson of St. Johnsbury, VT; nieces and nephews Donna, Richard, Tina, Jerry Jr., John III, Michelle, Jacqueline, Phil Jr., Marc and Paul; a special aunt, Jacqueline D. Samson of Kennebunk, ME; his dear lifelong friends Pete Cappellino and Bill Hogan; and many more cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his sister Sylvia Nosal Monk, nieces Bernadette Berube and Valerie Nosal, and nephew Troy Nosal.
Friends may visit with his family on Friday, April 29th from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 159 East Main St., Meriden and may attend his Funeral Service, which will begin at 10:00 in the church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Laurent Cemetery.
Services
Visitation: April 29, 2022 9:00 am - 10:00 am
First United Methodist Church of Meriden
159 East Main Street
Meriden, CT 06450
(203) 235-9620
Funeral Service: April 29, 2022 10:00 am
First United Methodist Church of Meriden
159 East Main Street
Meriden, CT 06450
(203) 235-9620
From the days, my Uncle Tommy used to babysit for my siblings and I, until the day he died, he was always there for my family with a smile on his face and a shoulder to lean on. I am so blessed to have many memories of him, (some sad, many more that are happy, and one particular funny memory I’ll never forget) that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Tommy you are loved and will be missed by all your family and so many more who were blessed to have known you. Until we are all together again, may your sweet and gentle soul rest in peace.
Love you. ❤️
You were always there for me with a shoulder to lean on and a smile on your face. You helped me and my family through some very difficult times and were there to share many of our life’s celebrations. You may not be here on earth anymore but I am blessed to have many memories that I will cherish until we meet again.
Uncle Tommy, you are very loved and will be very missed.
Donna
Tommy you will be truly missed. Your stories were always wonderful to listen to. You were such a kind man who loved everyone. I’m blessed to have known you.