Obituary: Nicholas Samodel, 102, Of Norwalk

Information via Collins Funeral Home

Mr. Samodel, son of the late Alex and Tekla Pyrih Samodel and husband of the late Marie Hendrinos Samodel, passed away December 22, 2022 at the age of 102.

He was born in Thomaston, CT and grew up in Parksville, NY. Nicholas graduated from Liberty High School in NY and spent most of his 3-year military service as an aircraft mechanic. He worked on Curtiss Wright C-46 cargo planes based in the far northeast corner of India. The planes had to fly over the treacherous Himalayan Mountains to supply American and Chinese forces in China, the only accessible route at that time.

After his honorable discharge and settling in Norwalk, he worked for the Old Family Lunch Wagon on Main Street for his brother Harry. He was also employed at Chance Vought-Avco and Sikorsky Aircraft and retired from U.S. Surgical Corporation in Norwalk as a tool and die maker.

Nicholas was a proud member of the American Legion Post #12 in Norwalk.

He is predeceased by brothers Harry, Terry (in WWII), John, sisters Mary Franzis, Sophie Samodel, and Anne Samodel. Also survived are daughters Jean Ferencz (George), Marianne McSally (Thomas), Joann Samodel Stoughton, Theresa Goulet (Lucien), and son Theodore (Kathryn). He was blessed with eight precious loving grandchildren, George Ferencz (John Adams), Bryan Ferencz, Nicole DiLeonardo (Joseph), Matthew McSally, Bradley Samodel, Haley White (Seth), Garrett Samodel, and Kylie Goulet, four great grandchildren Nicholas and Alisha Ferencz, Jackson and Macie DiLeonardo, as well asseveral nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may visit from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 29, 2022 at Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Funeral services will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Collins Funeral Home followed by a Liturgy at 10 a.m. at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 24 Wenzel Terrace, Stamford, CT. A burial with miliary honors will take place at St. Peter and St. Paul’s Cemetery in Derby, CT at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Nicholas gratefully accepted to St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 24 Wenzel Terrace, Stamford, CT or Saint Basil Ukrainian CatholicSeminary, 195 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT.