John E. Samokar Sr.

John Samokar, Sr. February 26, 1923 - June 24, 2009 NORWICH - John E. Samokar, Sr., 86, husband of Mary (Romanowski) Samokar of 186 Hickory St., Norwich, died at his home Wednesday afternoon. Born in Norwich on February 26, 1923, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Anna (Ojavich) Samokar. A retired U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Photographer's Mate First Class following a 30 year career as an arial photographer. He then worked as chief of security at Mystic Seaport, then in the recreation department at the U.S. Sub Base, and then in security at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, the American Legion, A.A.R.P., and Rose City Senior Center. For 20 years he umpired in the Norwich City League and the Norwich Softball League as a member of the Rose City Official Umpire Association. On November 24, 1945 at Divine Providence Church in Norwich, he was united in marriage to Mary (Romanowski) Samokar who survives along with their four children, John E. Samokar, Jr. of Norwich, Stephanie Pelletier of Norwich, Judith Samokar of Ledyard, and Karen Samokar of Norwich. One grandson Keith Pelletier. One sister Ann Lenkiewicz of Norwich, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Alexander Radzwilowicz and a sister Justine Rinehart. Funeral services will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to the time of the service. Interment will follow in Divine Providence Cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made in his memory to Hospice of S.E. CT., 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.