Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Barbara Samsel Obituary
Born on Oct. 28, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Katherine (Lirot) Murphy. A lifelong resident of Meriden, Barbara was a graduate of Platt High School, Class of 1960. She worked for the Miller Company, Insilco, and as a guidance clerk at Platt High School, from where she retired in 2014. Barbara enjoyed gardening, crafting, and going on camping trips to Lake Winnipesaukee in the summer with her family. She faithfully followed her grandson's baseball team at Middletown High School and was a devoted Red Sox fan.
Mrs. Samsel is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Amenta, of Middletown; a daughter-in-law, Leslie Gustin; two grandchildren, Sebastian Amenta and Robert Samsel Jr.; five step-grandchildren, Jillian, Victoria, Michael, Matthew, and Andrew; her step-granddaughter, Raegan; and step-grandson, Gabriel. She was predeceased by her son, Robert Samsel Sr.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Masonicare Ramage 2, Wooster 4, and Ramage 4 for the wonderful care given to Barbara.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 11 a.m. until noon, and attend her funeral service at noon in the Smith-Ruzzo Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden. Burial will be private. To send an online expression of sympathy, please visit www.smithruzzofuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barbara Samsel may be made to Project Excel at Platt High School, 220 Coe Ave, Meriden, CT 06451.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Samsel
Dave Finnance
July 25, 2024
I still have fond and wonderful memories of Barb.
Dave Finnance
David Finnance
July 25, 2021
The wonderful memories of times past never fade.
Barbara's presence is still very strong...remembering how stong Barbara was in former times.
David Finnance
July 25, 2019
I will never forget Barbara as a friend and a collegue at Platt High School. Time passes but wonderful memories won't!!! A truly amazing lady.
Edie Marcantonio
August 3, 2016
Dear Cheryl and family, So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. So nice to read all the nice things of people who worked with her at Platt. She and I started at Platt , way back when. I always marveled that she stayed so long. We always had alot of fun together and I have fond memories. You and your brother were just little guys then. My sincere sympathy to you. Edie
Jill Brochu
August 2, 2016
May peace find you and your family Cheryl. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Lorraine Cherniak
August 1, 2016
Cheryl, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I talked to her many times when my girls were at Platt with her actually recognizing my name from when we were neighbors back on Hicks Street. Remember she may be gone but always with you in spirit & a special guardian angel to you all. Cherish your memories and may she Rest In Peace
August 1, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing.. I worked with her years ago at
Platt. She was such a wonderful person who always had a big smile and a great laugh!!My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
August 1, 2016
Please accept my heart felt condolences on your loss. As a now retired member of the Platt faculty, I remember working with Barbara quite well. She will be sorely missed. Peace.
Elaine Foran
August 1, 2016
My hearts & prays to the the family.
I've known Barbara for many years working at Platt. She was always supportive & helpful.
Warmest regards,
Elaine
Cheryl Amenta
July 31, 2016
I miss you Mom more than you know!!!! Love you!!!
July 31, 2016
All I can say is that I misssss youMom!!!!!
July 31, 2016
July 31, 2016
I am deeply saddened by the news that Barbara has passed. A wonderful and extraordinary woman has passed but she has left us with remarkable memories and an abundance of inspiration. My time with Barb in the 1980's as a member of the Platt High School staff gave true meaning to the terms team work and cooperation. Barbara significantly touched the lives of so many in her everyday interactions with students and staff alike.
My sincere sympathy and deeply emotional feelings are extended to Barbara's entire Family.
David Finnance
Mary Howard Lane
July 31, 2016
Mrs. Samsel: Thank you for everything you had done for me. You were always there when I needed a hug or advice. You were like a second Mom to me. Because of your influence l try everyday to be that inspiration to my students. God bless. I love you and I will miss you dearly.
Maggie Howard
July 31, 2016
You are in my prayers Cheryl, your Mom was wonderful and a mentor to Mary. God Bless! Maggie Howard
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Barbara Samsel's name
Memorial Events
for Barbara Samsel
How to support Barbara's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Barbara Samsel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
