🇺🇸 John F. Samay, 75 – Served in US Navy, Cheered for Notre Dame

John F. Samay, 75 of Pottsville, loving husband, father and pop, died peacefully Monday June 26th at Green Valley Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Pottsville.

He was born September 9, 1947 in Pottsville, a son of the late Charles and Rose Mary O’Brian Phillips.

He was a 1965 graduate of Pottsville Area High School and Central Technical Institute, Kansas City, Missouri,

John was a Navy veteran having served during the Vietnam War.

Prior to retiring he worked for General Public Utilities and Wal-Mart Distribution Center.

John was a member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville, Stag Archer Club and was a Little League Baseball Coach.

Throughout his life John loved cheering for Notre Dame and visiting the campus and also loved his sports memorabilia.

He was preceded in death by a grandmother, Mary Stump and an aunt, Helen Derfler.

Surviving are his wife Grace Lord Samay; 2 sons, Matthew Samay and his wife Amy, and Kevin Samay; 3 grandchildren, Emersyn, Tyler and Riley Samay; 2 cousins who were like brothers to him John and Thomas Derfler; nieces and nephews.

Service of Remembrance were held Wednesday July 5th at James E. Humphrey Funeral Home, Pottsville, with Deacon John E. Quirk officiating.

The family would prefer remembrances in the form of contributions in memory of John be made to St. Jude Hosptial, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Interment with military honors will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.