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Joseph Samanka Obituary
Born in DuBois, PA, he was the son of Victor and Josephine Samanka.
Joe worked for BlueTriton Brands (formerly Nestle Waters) for over 20 years. He served his community as a Captain at Han-Le-Co Fire Company, an assistant baseball coach for Fullerton A.A., Cub Pack 32 Scout Master, and a Past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 528. He was a choir member and cantor at St. Elizabeth Church and also sang with the men's chorus group Summer Harmony.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Jennifer, son Jacob, daughters Amanda Samanka and Jessica LePree with husband Shawn; brother John Samanka and wife Pam, sister Joanna and husband Bob Crawford, sister-in-law Dori Samanka, mother-in-law Pat Richardson, and several nieces and nephews. His brother, Gene Samanka, predeceased him.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Stanley Moczydlowski on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 618 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall, PA 18052, where his family will receive guests beginning at 12 noon. Interment is private at the convenience of the family.
For those wishing to honor Joe with a memorial contribution, his family suggests a donation to the St. Elizabeth Memorial Fund at the address listed above.
The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall is honored to handle his arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Samanka
Sponsored by Gilbert Funeral Home.
Orville Dunn
May 3, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Samanka family. I pray that your family receives the love, peace, strength, and comfort needed to get through this difficult time. Joe will be missed.
Orville Dunn
May 3, 2024
My first meeting with Joe was very representative of who he was as a person. We met each other during an implementation project at NWNA and Joe was very passionate about his role and what was needed to get things done right. He was clear and direct in what he needed to be successful. As I got to know Joe more over the years, I saw that passion was evident in everything he did. It was all rooted in his desire to help people and getting things done the right way. That approach helped my team and I on multiple occasions. It also left a positive impression on me about who Joe was as a person. I wish more people were like Joe, interested in helping people and getting things done the right way. We will miss him.
Cora Warner
May 2, 2024
Jennifer and family , May God be with all at this very difficult time. Prayers for all.
Peggy (Weaver) Schreiber.
April 30, 2024
So sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Joe from years ago in Sykesville. My prayers are with your family. Take solace in knowing that you all will be reunited
With your loved one again. RIP Joseph.
Shirlene
April 30, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Georgeann Bianco
April 30, 2024
Our deepest sympathy in your loss. May he rest in peace. So many fond memories of life on Shaffer St.
Eleanor Bouch, Betsy Woodling and Georgeann Bianco
Tony Zaffuto
April 30, 2024
To the Samanka family, my deepest condolences and prayers.
Caitlin (Heckman) Atienza
April 29, 2024
Amanda and Jessie I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. My first memories of our years together on Armour St are playing kickball in the backyard together with my brothers and your dad- the biggest kid of all! His laugh was always contagious and I will remember the good times we had as neighbors. Sending you love and wishing you peace as you reflect on your memories together.
Fred Preuninger
April 28, 2024
Joe, your friends in Summer Harmony hardly got to know you, but we enjoyed singing with you. We will miss you. In some of our songs we'll still hear you singing with us.
Patty Clark
April 25, 2024
My first memory of Joe was the little boy singing Beatles songs.
I laugh every time I think about Jerry teasing him AJ. Joanna will get that.
Kandace & Bill Novak
April 25, 2024
Joe was a very kind man who would always meet and greet you with a smile and a positive disposition. He loved his son, Jacob very much and his bond with Jennifer is what all couples strive for in a marriage. May he rest in peace.
Jeffrey DeAngelo
April 24, 2024
To the Samanka family,
May you find peace in all your loving memories!
Denise Laukitis
April 24, 2024
To the Samanka Family
I am at a loss for words, Joey and I grew up together on Shaffer St in Sykesville. He was always one of 20-25 neighborhood kids at our house. We lost touch and were able to reconnect through FB, we also were able to cheer each other on when we were ill. He always said us Sykesville kids have to stick together.
Please know this Sykesville kid is grieving along with you, and holding all of you close in my thoughts and prayers. I pray you will find comfort in your memories and especially in knowing he is safe in our Lords loving arms.
With our deepest sympathy
Sincerely
Terry and Denise Bontempo Laukitis
Sykesville
Ellen Nuscher
April 24, 2024
Wishing all who knew and loved Joe peace as you find your way through the grieving process and beautiful memories of a life well lived. Know that your faith will sustain you as Joe rests peacefully in the Kingdom of Heaven.
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