Priest Raymond J. Samoila, 97, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, May 18, 2012, at Shepherd’s Gate Assisted Living, Hartville, OH.
Father Raymond was born on January 30, 1915, in Newark, OH, to Joseph and Paraschiva [Mihu] Samoila. A graduate of Alba Iulia High School in Romania, he attended the University of King Carol I in Bucharest, Romania. He also attended Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, PA, before graduating from Case-Western Reserve University with a degree in Criminal Investigation. He retired from the City of Canton Police Department in 1978 as a Captain.
For many years, Father Raymond served as parish priest of Saint Nicholas Church, Alliance, OH and Saint Elias Church, Ellwood City, PA. He was a member of Saint George Church, Canton, OH, and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Survivors include his two sons, Raymond L. [Ellen] Samoila of Hartville and Richard A. Samoila; and special friend, Kim Gednetz of the home; three granddaughters: Lisa M. Zona, Kathy L. [Dean] Lipster, and Michelle R. [Doug] Fliger; four great-grandchildren: Lindsey and Lexie Lipster and Kasey and Jake Fliger; several nieces and nephews, as well as special niece, Helen [Charles] Trumball. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 71 years, Preoteasa Mary C. [Cristia] Samoila, whom he married on September 16, 1939 and who died April 12, 2011; two sisters, Marie Boican and Helen Cowden; and brother, Joseph Samoila.
Services will be held at nooon on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at Saint George Church, 144 30th Street NW, Canton, OH, concelebrated by Archpriest George Treff and Priest Pantelimon Stanciu. His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate, will be in attendance. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the church, with a Fraternal Order of Police Service to be held at 9:45 a.m. Interment will follow at North Lawn Cemetery, Canton.
May Father Raymond’s memory be eternal!