May 17, 2022 U.S. Veteran
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Gerald Craig Samson, born March 14, 1951 died at his home in Beach Lake, Tuesday, May 17, 2022 surrounded by family, after a brief battle with cancer. Jerry is survived by his wife, Wendy. Jerry graduated from Lake Consolidated High School in Lake Ariel in 1969. He joined the Army in 1970 and was stationed in Okinawa and involved in Operation Red Hat during the Vietnam War. After returning home from the Army he worked as a Press Operator for The Wayne Independent where he met his wife, the former Wendy Cortese. They were married September 11, 1976. He is best known as a master welder who took pride in performing challenging repairs and inventing unique solutions to problems. In 1984 he opened his welding shop, Samson Welding, in Honesdale and later moved to Beach Lake. He always said he wanted to work to the day he died and he nearly did, accomplishing projects at his shop up to the days prior to his death. A satisfied customer once said he was so good he could weld two pieces of paper together. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Travis Samson and wife Mary of Honesdale, Bethany Fine and husband Russ of Beach Lake, and Tory Samson and girlfriend, Kelsey Kohrs of Honesdale and his grandchildren, Rocco and Samson Fluck, Jake and Cam Fine, Gabriel, Sophie, Camille, and Asher Samson. He was a daily part of his grandchildren’s lives watching them play sports and sharing his passion for fixing things. To his grandchildren – and others – he was known as Pa. He is also survived by his siblings, Cindy Snyder, Scott, Don, Steve and Ted Samson, and the Murphy Family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cal and Dottie Samson and brothers Jeff and Dave. He had a special relationship with his many in-laws, nieces and nephews and his godson, Lance Samson. Jerry served as a deacon of Grace Bible Church in Beach Lake. He was a member of the Wayne County Arts Alliance, showing his metal sculptures, called Iron Emotions. Over the years he has shared his passion for coaching and teaching youth in various ways including volunteering for God’s Army Camp. He has great memories from his time as coach of the Narrowsburg Dodgers Little League team in the early 90s. He was an avid reader and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and creating unusual pieces of art out of metal or rock. He had a famous BBQ chicken recipe which was enjoyed at the many family parties hosted by him and Wendy. Jerry was also a skilled mason whose craftwork is on display as the fireplace in the homes of many friends. In his younger days he was a member of the Undertakers Motorcycle Club of Lake Ariel. He has received recognition for his custom built motorcycles, especially his ‘52 Panhead, which beat out a bike built by the world famous Indian Larry in a contest. Jerry’s close connections with many friends brought him a great deal of gratification. His dry sense of humor was appreciated by all who knew him, but understood by few. Jerry lived his last few weeks to the fullest, doing just what he wanted to do each day; breakfast at the Beach Lake Café, working on special projects at his welding shop, spending time with his family and friends, and especially sharing his deep faith in Jesus Christ and his comfort in knowing he would soon be in heaven.
Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 12noon to 2:00pm at the Honesdale Community Church, 1113 Church St., Honesdale, PA 18431, Memorial service will be at 2:00pm.
Arrangements are by the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home, Barryville, NY 12719 845-557-8010 |