Samuel E. Lindblad III

Sam Lindblad, 55, of Van Etten, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, October 15, 2010, from complications of Diabetes and End Stage Renal Disease. He was born June 1, 1955 in Waverly, NY. Sam was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Mary (Fisher) Lindblad; sister, Sue Lindblad Wyre; nephew, Veikko Salmela; and both maternal and paternal grandparents. Sammy is survived by his wife, caretaker and best friend of 38 years, Beverly Lindblad; daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and David Rose; grandchildren, Samantha Rose, Maralee Rose, Kasey Cundy and Jesse Ayers; sister, Donna (Donnie) Salmela; brothers, James (Sharon Nichols) Lindblad, Jerry (Patricia) Lindblad and Richard (Jean) Lindblad; cousins, nephews, nieces (one special niece, Yvonne Mack, who helped with the care of her Uncle Sam), and many friends (one special friend, Greg Koski, who stood by Sam through his illness until the very end). Sam worked for over 15 years for the NYS Department of Transportation as a Heavy Equipment Operator until he was forced to take early retirement due to his illness. Sam was an avid hunter and sportsman and his family meant everything to him. A very special thank you to Dr. Desio, Dr. Novack and the dialysis staff at Robert Packer Hospital as well as the nursing staff of 8NW and the 6th floor of RPH for all of the care they have given to Sam over the past 10 years. Everyone was so very caring and has become like family to Sam and his immediate family. Sammy will be missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know him and he will remain in their hearts forever. As were Sam's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 22, 2010, at 1 p.m. at the North Van Etten Church with Pastor Beverly Davenport officiating. Inurnment will take place at LaRow Cemetery in North Van Etten immediately following the funeral services. If you wish to make a contribution to help off-set the cost of Sam's medical expenses and to help with the cost of the funeral and burial, they may be sent to Lindblad, PO Box 292, Van Etten.