Edward Roberts Samuels

Edward Roberts Samuels of Southbury and Delray Beach, FL passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on Jan.15 after living a life filled with caring and compassion for others. He was 75. Ed will be remembered for his magnetic personality and zest for life. A skilled leader, he took an active role in both the professional and personal development of others. He approached every day with remarkable energy, unshakeable optimism, and endless compassion. His motto was to live life to the fullest because "Life is not a Dress Rehearsal". Ed was born in Stamford, CT the son of the late Nathan Roberts Samuels and Sylvia Weitzer Samuels Firestone. He attended schools in West Hartford and graduated from Hall High School. After serving 5 years in the Air Force he attended Bryant University in RI where he earned his Bachelor's Degree. Ed and his family resided in New Fairfield & Newtown CT for many years. Following his retirement in 2005 he and his wife moved to Mizner Country Club in Delray Beach, FL where he enjoyed playing golf, deep sea fishing and the beach. Most recently he enjoyed teaching Business classes at Lynn University in Florida. He was also an avid UConn Huskies and New England Patriots sports fan. Ed began his professional career as a buyer at United Technologies. His outstanding performance paved the way for Smithkline Beckman in Philadelphia to recruit him. He began his career as a Sales Manager. His achievements were highly recognized and he later was offered a position with Branson Ultrasonics, a Division of Smithkline and later a Division of Emerson Electric located in Danbury CT. At Branson his accomplishments enabled him to move through the management ranks to retire after 39 years as Sr. VP Worldwide/General Manager of North America. Throughout his life Ed always found time to volunteer. He started as a Big Brother in college, and over the years served as President Bloomfield Jaycees, Board Member and President of Danbury B'nai Israel Synagogue. He also served on the Boards of Danbury YMCA and Danbury Junior Achievement. Being among one of the longest surviving kidney transplant recipients, he served as President of the National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut and for 20 years was instrumental in raising funds for the Volunteer Danbury Dialysis Fund, Inc. In addition to his beloved wife, Jeanne Aiudi Samuels, he is survived by his children: his precious daughter Karen Roberts Samuels, loving son Jonathan Roberts Samuels and daughter-in-law Jennifer Samuels and two Grandchildren, Alexis and Zachary Samuels, and his sisters Joan Kaiser, Elaine Bowman and Maxine Goldberg. He loved his family and will be missed by his many cousins, nieces, grand nieces, nephews & other family members. Ed is predeceased by his beloved sister and brother, Jane Gitlin and Harold Samuels. Ed's family thanks the caring staff at Brigham & Women's Hospital for the expert care received over many years and the Danbury Regional Hospice Center for their professionalism and compassionate care during his final journey. Calling hours will be at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St., Newtown, CT on Sunday, January 24, 2016 from 1:00-3:00pm, with a service immediately following. Interment will be privately held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Edward Roberts Samuels to support the Kidney Research Fund at Brigham and Women's Hospital, 116 Huntington Ave, Third Floor, Boston, MA 02116 or via bwhgiving.org. To leave an online condolence visit www.honanfh.com