In 1919 John Samsel was born in Syracuse, New York. In 1938 as an 18-year old he began a 3-year stint in the Coast Guard while stationed at Ft. Hancock, New Jersey. In early 1941 he was discharged and was in the process of getting re-acquainted with civilian life when Pearl Harbor erupted. He returned to the service, this time in the Army Air Corp. (The Air Corp in those days was part of the Army)

The Army in its wisdom decided that John would be a fine turret gunner on B-17 airplanes. This seemed okay until one day an unwelcome call came over the inter-com to “abandon plane” and John found himself floating downward while looking upward at an open parachute. For 17 months he was a guest of the German high command at Stalag 17. ( Yep.....the same place the movie was set.) Here John learned that turnips for breakfast, noon and dinner was the standard order of the day in German POW camps and he became extremely thankful for Red Cross food packages.

At war’s end John came home and soon went to work as a salesman for the Phillip Morris Company. He was very successful and 35 years later at retirement he was an Area Manager. He joined SIR #102 in the early 80's and was immediately active in golf as well as our other activities. Although he complained about never being a "long ball hitter," he was a very accurate A player for many years. Those of us who knew him will remember his enthusiasm and how well he enjoyed life. He will be missed.

There will be graveside services Thursday August 14th at 1:00 pm at Sunset Lawn Chapel of Chimes (4701 Marysville Blvd in Sacramento.) This is short notice and many of us already have commitments, but when 1:00 pm rolls around ....think about this fine friend. I think John would like that. Don't you?

Sac Bee Funeral Notice

John Robert Samsel

SAMSEL, John Robert
Entered into rest on Monday, August 11, 2008, at the age of 88. Born in Syracuse, N.Y., on August 30, 1919, John moved to California after serving in WWII eventually raising a family in Sacramento, where he resided for the last 50 years. John was preceded in death by his wife Virginia and his daughter Debbie; he is survived by his son John. He will he greatly missed by a large circle of friends and relatives. Graveside services will be held Thursday, August 14, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at SUNSET LAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 4701 Marysville Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95838.