Samuel Browning

1950 - 2023

Samuel Browning

Northfield, MA - On Friday, August 18, 2023 we lost a legend, Samuel J. Browning, to a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Born in Northfield, MA on January 28, 1950 to Homer and Ethel (Marcy) Browning, Jr. Sam graduated in the class of 1968 from Pioneer Valley Regional High School.

At the age of 18, Sam went to work for Pine Meadow Farm in Northfield for one year when he secured a mechanic job at Erving Motors in Erving, MA. Working there until he was drafted into the Army in June of 1969. Sam attended basic training at Fort Dix, NJ then was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC in the transportation department. He was drafted to Vietnam from 70-71 and his duties included driving dump trucks, building roads, and rebuilding Detroit motors.

When Sam returned home, he spent several years creating different trucking companies which evolved into Sam Browning Trucking in 1985 and he continued this company until his passing. For 34 years, he hauled countless loads of sod for Sodco, INC until 2022. They became his "work family" and constantly kept in touch throughout his battle with cancer.

Sam is survived by his wife and bestest friend of 23 years, Michele (Poirier) Browning. They enjoyed traveling and just being together. No matter where or what they were doing, if their song came on they would drop everything just to dance with each other. Sam also leaves behind two children, Margaret Browning-Baker and Samuel "Jake" Browning, Jr (Karin). Additionally, Sam leaves his bonus children Ted Greenwood (Rena), Jillian Henry (Mike), Amanda Otto (Greg), and Timothy Otto (Rachael). He was the greatest Grandpa to Samantha, Ted, Whitney, Ryan, Peter, Ruby, Luke, Abbey, and Tanner. Sam also leaves his siblings Rachel Collier, Homer III (Florence), James (Noreen), Richard (Ruth), Ralph (Wanda), Daniel, Carlton (Joyce), Rebecca Wong (Bill), Leslie, and Ruth as well as several nieces and nephews.

Sam will be greatly missed by his numerous friends who always came for advice on many different topics.

Sam was predeceased by his parents, his brother-in-law Wayne Collier, daughter Melissa who died at birth, and the mother of his children Joyce.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pioneer Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, 329 Conway St #2, Greenfield MA 01301.

At Sam's request please remember to thank a Veteran!

There will be calling hours on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. To 8:00 P.M. at the Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave., Northfield, Mass. Burial will be private and at the convienence of the family.

Kidder Funeral Home , 1 Parker Ave., Northfield, Mass is in charge of arrangements. For directions or to send a condolence please visit www.kidderfuneralhome.net.