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Joseph Samyn Obituary
- - Samyn, Joseph Charles, passed away at home with family on Thursday, December 7. Born May 10, 1931, in Detroit, and raised on the East Side. Son of Alphonse and Rachel. Brother of Michael, Elsie, and Gloria. Graduated from St John Berchmans Elementary School and St. Joseph's High School. Worked at his family's store, Samyn's Market, before going to The University of Michigan, where he earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in pharmaceutical chemistry (class president, College of Pharmacy). Met Ann Marie Markey at The Newman Center at U of M in Ann Arbor. They married at St. Teresa's in Detroit in 1955. He worked at Parke-Davis in Detroit and later in Rochester at Parke-Davis/Warner Lambert. Resident of Royal Oak since 1960 where he and Ann raised their five children: Ellen Haley of Pacific Grove, CA; Joseph, M.D. (Dee) of Crown Point, IN; Margaret, M.D. (James Akao, Ph.D.) of Brookfield, WI; Ruth Ware (Joseph, Ph.D.) of Los Altos, CA; and Mary Ann of Morgantown, WV. Beloved grandfather of Laura Haley (Brent Keast), Jacqueline Samyn, Joseph Samyn, James Samyn, Sophia Ware, Mark Ware, and Michael Akao. Longtime parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church in Beverly Hills where he was an active member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Member of the Birmingham Senior Men's Club, Beaumont Cardic Rehab, and the Gazette van Detroit, where he served on the board. Generous philanthropist with special support of Marygrove College, The University of Detroit, The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, and The Capuchin Soup Kitchen/Solanus Casey Center. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his sister, Elsie Vande Putte (Frank), sisters-in-law Irene Markey, Virginia Markey, and Marilyn Markey, and cousins Nancy Panetta (Otto), Irene Lauwers (Al), Jim Vande Velde (Verna), and 36 nieces and nephews. The family is very grateful for all the care Joe received from his nurses, especially Annmarie Shelton and Melissa O'Neil. Family will receive friends Sunday December 10, 2-8 p.m. with prayer services at 7 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (btwn 13-14 Mile), Royal Oak, 248-549-0500. Funeral Mass Monday December 11, 10 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 32340 Pierce, Beverly Hills. Visitation at church begins at 9:30 a.m. Christian burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. View obituary and share memories at
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Samyn
Rick Samyn
January 5, 2018
I Miss my Uncle Joe.
Swati Johri
December 11, 2017
I worked for Dr. Joe at Parke-Davis (he was my boss's boss). He was such a caring, considerate individual who always gave the best advice. He was very professional and courteous and took such a genuine interest in others. I have the utmost respect for him and will forever be grateful that he played a role, in giving me (a college student at that time), their first professional break!
Condolences to the family, deeply saddened to learn of his passing.
Swati
KENNETH CHRISTIE
December 10, 2017
I worked for Dr. Joe for 13 years at Parke Davis and as my boss he earned my utmost respect for his knowledge, patience and kind heart in everything he did. i learned a lot from Joe and he made my time at PD special for having such a man to look up to. He defines what a gentleman is and I express my condolences to his family. He left behind a great many people who were lucky to have worked with him and for him.
December 10, 2017
Our prayers to the finest gentleman of the Class of 1953.
Duane and Carole Possanza
Sandra Cagle
December 10, 2017
Sorry for your loss. I know how much Melissa loved him. May you find peace at this difficult time.
Much love
Sandy aka Melissa's mom.
December 10, 2017
I worked with/for Dr. Samyn for the last 15 years of my career at Parke-Davis. He was a great man and always a gentleman. He was always proud of his children and talked about them often.
My condolences to the family in their loss.
Ralph Riggs
Tracy Raab
December 9, 2017
I worked with Dr. Joe at Parke Davis in Rochester. I remember him as a very sweet and intelligent man. Always a gentleman. Prayers for your family as you go through this difficult time.
Joseph Moffatt
December 9, 2017
Edward and Georgia Randinitis
December 9, 2017
We worked with Dr Samyn many years at Parke Davis in Detroit. And always admired his quiet kindness and professionalism . We are thankful he organized lunches with several retirees over the years. He also joined us for golf a few times in his later years. Our sincere condolences to his family in their time of grief. They should realize many people lived long and productive lives due to his research at Parke Davis.
Sharon & Jerry Zapolnik
December 8, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon & Jerry Zapolnik
December 8, 2017
We are very sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors - Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel32515 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073
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