JOHN S. SAMSA

John looks a little different, here, than he did when we graduated from Slippery Rock! When I saw the article about family accepting the PA Sports Hall of Fame induction on his behalf, I had a 'sick' feeling it was the same John I had known at college. Although mere acquaintances back then, he was an easy person to like & admire. My condolences & prayers go out to his family & friends as I'm sure his passing is still very fresh in your minds.

April 2, 2017
Four years John Samsa fought a disease hard and courageously. I am trying to understand God and his involvement with John's last three weeks. I call this Heavens opening day. I can picture a baseball park, a humid night, and bugs all around the lights shining down on a beautiful baseball diamond. Of course, this game is 0-0, bottom of the 9th with 2 outs. The coach Coach Darius Brncic, calls for a pitch hitter who just arrived. John steps into the batter's box and brings the count to full. The capacity crowd is silent only for a moment. A loud crack from the bat, John sprints to first base on a long fly to right center knowing he will stretch this into a double, but as he reaches first, the crowd stands, and a frenzied roar erupts as the ball clears the wall for a home run. John looks up with a big smile. (The same smile you can see on his kids John, Sean, and Katla.) Things go into slow motion as John begins his winning jog around the bases. His foot hits second base as puff of dust pops from the bag and his smile is even greater since he realizes that batting a thousand has got to be a record on opening day. Seeing his third base coach jumping up and down yelling, Way to go John, way to go, he crosses third while giving his brother Frankie a high five. Both are side by side going toward home plate, not seeing his teammates, rather greeting him at home plate are his dad, his mom, his grandparent's, uncle Bill, Aunt June and Lewis (Bubby) Bromer who is ready to give him a studio wrestling head whap, and many others. Standing on home plate he is strong and healthy and is thinking how much love he has for Kathy and the kids saying to all of us I am ok and I made it home..This has helped me to cope with John's last three weeks with us, and God must have needed a win on opening day. Team Heaven 1...Team Cancer 0.
John has known me all of his life and I'll miss him the rest of mine. Mooch

My deepest sympathies to the Samsa family at this difficult time. John was a great guy who will surely be missed.

On behalf of my mom, Mudge, and the rest of the Worrall family, I want to express our deep sorrow on hearing of John's passing. Our family has so many happy memories of our times together. I was unable to get a sitter for my mom and she was not well enough for me to get her to the service, and we are sorry we weren't able to see all of you. Please know we are praying for your family and hope that we can see you sometime in the future. I have many of my mom's pictures to go through and there are many of the Samsa family. Love to you all, Jayne Worrall Malloy

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To all of the Samsa family especially Kathy, I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear of Johnny's passing. I am also broken hearted to have missed the services for him. For a long time I thought of all of you like a second family, and you all have a special place in my heart. Johnny was a special guy, and you all have another angel looking down on you. Prayers to you all.

John was a good man who dedicated his life serving those in need. He will surely be missed.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to the entire Sansa family. Having grown up with each of the boys, the Grachen family enjoyed many years of fun (and cinnamon bread). John was an angel on earth, now in heaven, and his love for life will be missed. What a selfless, kind heart. Always putting others first, always greeting others with a smile, loving life and making every day count. May your memories keep him close to your hearts, God Bless you all.

It has been my honor to have been given the opportunity to work with John in my career with NHS. This kind compassionate man brought such a positive vibe to every encounter! I strive to be half the parent, professional, partner and person that he was.

My prayers are with the Samsa family and all the lives John has touched.

Robyn

Kathy and Family:
John and I would often sit and talk about our kids together. His family was very important to him and he was very proud of all his children's accomplishments. John's zest for life was evident in his positive attitude towards his illness (that he never wanted to draw attention to). There is another angel in Heaven now. God's blessing to you all in this difficult time.

To the Samsa family: Our sincere condolences to you at this time. All who had a chance to know John, He was always a friend to all. I am sorry that I cannot celebrate his life with you as I am out of the country, but did not want to miss this opportunity from both Carole and I. God bless John. Loran and Carole Sekely.

John was a wonderful friend and colleague to me. I was blessed to know him and to work with him. I am a better person because of him.

Kathy and family- you are his true legacy- his love for all of you will stay with you forever.


Ceil

Our deepest sympathies to the Samsa Family. He was a great man with a great big heart. I loved working on the football field with John and am honored to call him a friend.

John was a valued and respected NHS colleague who was deeply committed to uplifting lives of the vulnerable individuals he served. His leadership was filled with compassion. His deeds reflected the highest level of integrity. We will miss John's guiding light. With sincerest sympathy,
Billie West, NHS

Our condolences to the family and friends of John. He will be missed by many.
Mark Watson, a former GPFOA member.

John was always a fun guy to coach with and against. A great father who left great lasting memories for my family and those he came in contact with. The Zgola family sends our condolences.

What a wonderful Man! He brightened any room he walked into. Heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you Kathy and your family. Heaven has gained a glorious angel.

What a wonderful man! Heaven has gained a glorious angel. Sincere heartfelt sympathy for you Kathy and your family...... You are all in my prayers. Frankie Sambuco

Kathy and family, you have our heartfelt sympathy. Ken, again we are so sorry. It was very apparent how special the bond is between you and your brother in law. Please let us know if you need anything. May all of your wonderful memories fill your heart. God bless! Nicole and Owen