Roger J. Samson

NASHUA -- Roger J. Samson, 74, of 12 Greenwood Drive, died Oct. 28, 2008, at Community Hospice House, Merrimack.

He was born Feb. 15, 1934, in Manchester, to Wilfrid and Yvonne (St. Pierre) Samson. He was a graduate of Manchester High School Central where he participated in cross-country and track and set numerous records in both sports. He graduted from Keene Teachers College.

He was a U.S. Army Reserves veteran.

He was an industrial arts teacher and then department head at Billerica (Mass.) High School for 36 years.

He initiated cross country and track program at the high school in 1959 and coached cross country for 25 years.

He received numerous awards including the induction into the Track Coaches of Massachusetts Hall of Fame in 1984 and Billerica High School Hall of Fame.

He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 122 and Lafayette Club, Massachusetts Track Assn., Gate City Grange and Brookline Grange.

He enjoyed gardening in the summer in Vermont, fishing, bowling, and cribbage.

Family members include his wife of 50 years, Sylvia Squier (Smith) Samson, of Nashua; a daughter, Susan Hogan of Hudson; three sons, David Samson of Milford, Timothy Samson of Mont Vernon, and Daniel Samson of Richardson, Texas; 11 grandchildren; a brother, Albert Samson of Auburn; two sisters, Germaine Keefe and Laura Kelley, both of Manchester; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Davis Funeral Home, One Lock St., Nashua. A memorial Mass will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, 216 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua. Friends are asked to meet at the church. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery, Nashua.

Memorial doantions may be made to Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Road, Merrimack 03054 or St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are in the care of Davis Funeral Home, Nashua (www.davisfuneralhomenh.com).