Roger "Rog (Chopper)" Samson

Roger Samson – The Legend:

Roger Samson passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on September 15, 1954, he grew up in the tight-knit community of Timber Ridge on Sleeping Bear Road in Skokie, IL where he forged lifelong friendships that now span generations. His parents, Ben and Bernice Samson, owned and operated the wholesale plumbing business Sterling Supply Co. Inc., in Lisle, IL, and after graduating from Evanston-Township High School in 1972 and Drake University in 1976, Roger entered the family business as a natural-born salesman. Roger's customers and employees were his friends; it was impossible to be one without the other.

In the midst of the blizzard of January 1979, Roger met the love of his life: a 19-year-old girl named Dawn. Though Dawn and Roger would have married within weeks, they impatiently planned a traditional, family-inclusive wedding, finally marrying on August 3, 1980. For the next 45 years, they lived a "Wonderful Life" centered around love, adventure, and tradition. Roger and Dawn raised 5 children in a home with a door that was always open to everyone: friends of all ages, neighbors, teammates, and even strangers. Roger's generosity reflected his "the more, the merrier" spirit, especially when it came to the children in his life.

Depending on how one knew Roger, they may remember him dressed in his iconic black sweatpants, his Blackhawks winter coat, or his bathing suit, but most of all, they will remember his beaming approachability. From the hockey rink to the racetrack to Disney World to Aruba, Roger made friends wherever he went, adding new names and numbers to his phone that were never deleted. Roger never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, or a check-in call because, above all else, Roger was dependable. If you needed a listening ear, sound advice, a boost in confidence, a new toilet seat, tickets to the hottest show or a tip for a winning bet, Roger was your man.

A truly great man has left this world. A loss that will be felt by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. The greatest void will be felt by his 13 grandchildren, some of whom never got the opportunity to fully absorb his light. It is his family's mission to ensure the next generation remembers "Rog", a man who will eternally remain admired, loved, and respected.

Beloved husband and best friend of Dawn; loving father to Ashley (Joe) Ahr, Amanda (Michael) Vukovics, Zachary (Jessica), Benjamin (Taylor), and Jake; cherished grandfather to: Abigail (18), Jack (14), Sam (11), Mabel (10), Finn (7), Caroline (6), William (6), Nicholas (6), Henry (6), Luke (4), Annie (4), Emma (3), and Madelyn (1); son-in-law to Sandra and the late Melvin Goldstein; brother-in-law to Michelle (Errol) Dolin and uncle to Ariel (Andrew) Dufur and Ashley (Aaron) Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Partners for Progress, partnersforprogressnfp.org in the name of Roger Samson.