Samuel Ernest Zwick

Samuel Ernest Zwick, 87, of Mansfield and formerly of Coventry, father, grandfather, and beloved husband of the late Etta B. (Taylor) Zwick, died Sunday, June 16, 2013, at Mansfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Samuel was born Sept. 5, 1925, in Manchester, son of the late Samuel and Susanna (Tluck) Zwick, and had resided in Coventry for more than 50 years. After graduating from Manchester High School Class of 1944 he was employed at Pioneer Parachute of Manchester for 48 years, retiring in 1992 as designated manufacturing inspector representative. After his retirement in 1992 he returned to Pioneer Parachute, working as a private contractor until 2008. He was a committee member for the MHS Class of 1944, working on the future class reunions. He was a faithful worshiper of Concordia Lutheran Church, a member of the finance and property committee of the church, and a member of the congregation council of the church for multiple years. He was also a former vice president of the Twin Hill's Water District of Coventry. Samuel was a proud recipient of the Mars Exploration Rover Project Certificate of Recognition in 2003, for outstanding performance in the development of the parachute decelerator system for the Mars Exploration Rover Project.

Samuel is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Ouellette, and her husband, Timothy, of Mansfield Center; three grandchildren, Thomas Hoyt Jr., and his wife, Jenna (Castle) Hoyt, Ginger Hoyt, Amber Hoyt; a step-granddaughter, Nicole Ouellette; and was predeceased by a grandson, Robert William Hoyt; also surviving is a sister, Ann Copeland, and her husband, Robert Copeland Sr., of Manchester; numerous nieces, nephews, and their families, two sisters-in-law, Beverly Gifford, and her husband, James, of Manchester and Shirley Zwick of East Hartford. Besides his wife, parents, and grandson, he was predeceased by three brothers, William Zwick, and his wife, Winifred, Walter Zwick, and George Zwick, and his wife, Frances; and two sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and George Pouliot, and Elizabeth and Everett Patten.

The family would like to thank Visiting Nurse Association East from Vernon, A Caring Hand, Dr. Kapoor and his staff, Manchester Memorial Hospital, and Mansfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who cared for Sam.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, June 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 20, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church, 41 Pitkin St., Manchester, burial will follow in the East Cemetery, Manchester.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91, Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3045. To sign the online guestbook please visit

www.holmes-watkinsfuneralholmes.com