Charles Samataro Jr.

Charles Santo Samataro, Jr., 82, longtime resident of Salem and Derry, New Hampshire, died Tuesday,

March 20, 2018 at Parkland Medical Center surrounded by family and his treasured dog, Santo, by his

side. He was born in Lawrence, MA, son of the late Charles and Anna Samataro.

Charlie (as known to his family and friends) was a graduate of Woodbury High School, Class of 1953.Here he began his long love of athletics as a three-sport athlete where later he was inducted into theHall of Fame class of 1998 and was a member of the committee until 1999. He continued his athletics and education at Sanborn Seminary Prep School in Kingston, NH, 1954, followed by Merrimack and Plymouth Colleges where he graduated with a BA in Business. Charlie spent 3 years in Army Reserves with an honorable discharge in 1957 and 6 years USMC Active duty until an Honorable discharge in

1963. Early on Charlie worked as a Manager at "Lennies on the Turnpike", where they featured jazz greats like Buddy Rich, Count Basie, and where Jay Leno got his start. Later, Charlie worked as a supervisor for Raytheon in Andover, MA for 25 years where they worked on the first Patriot missile. While working at Raytheon, he participated in the "Mentor Program" at Arlington Street School for 3 years.

During his lifetime, he devoted much of his time volunteering in many capacities to the youth of Salem,

NH and was unofficially known as "Mr. Salem High". He coached sports for many years at Woodbury and Salem High Schools in New Hampshire, Methuen and Lawrence High Schools in Massachusetts, Cardinal Cushing Prep School in West Newbury, MA, and Merrimack College also in Massachusetts. He was honored in 2004 with "The Lifetime Commitment Award" for High School Athletics in the Merrimack Valley presented by the WCCM Radio Station, Eagle Tribune, and Moynihan Lumber. Continuing his passion for sports, he wrote "My New Hampshire", a sports column for the Eagle Tribune for 5 years.

Charlie's lifetime of devotion and tireless commitment to the youth of his community went even further as a member of the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America Board for 35 years. Here he received the distinguished "Silver Beaver Award" for his service in 1993. In addition, he found time to act as treasurer and board member of the Swift Water Council, Girl Scouts of America for over 3 years.

Charlie was very proud of his family and his faithful companion his dog, Santo. He especially enjoyed golf as a member of Hoodkroft and Applehill Country Clubs in New Hampshire. He had a true love for jazz music, Frank Sinatra, and was an avid fan of Notre Dame Football, The Celtics, and his beloved Salem Blue Devils.

Charlie is predeceased by his wife Beverly of 30 years. He is survived by his sons, Charles Samataro, III and wife Heidi of Burlington, CT, Stephen Samataro and wife Lori, of Glenview, Il, his daughter Shellee Gerhardt of Derry, NH, and his 6 grandchildren, Samantha Gerhardt, Paige Gerhardt, Marykate Samataro, Nicholas Samataro, Michael Samataro, and Chase Hesseltine.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visiting hours Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Rd., Windham, NH. Funeral services will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. Internment will take place later in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salem High School - "Dollars for Scholars" at www.salemnh.dollarsforscholars.org.