Obituary: Gregory J. Samal, 75, of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) Gregory J. Samal, 75, of Wallingford, passed away May 26, 2022 at Masonicare.

Greg was born in Meriden on July 7, 1941, a son of the late John and Marguerite (Landry) Samal.

A lifelong resident of Wallingford, he was employed for 43 years by 3M Purification Inc., formerly CUNO Inc. and retired in 2011.

At the time of his retirement, Gregg was Manager of Procurement and Transportation.

Prior to that position he was manager of Customer Service, Transportation (Export/Import and Public Relations including corporate meeting planning assignments, annual stockholder meetings, domestic and international sales meetings, and other related functions.

Greg was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Yalesville since the 1956 parish inception and was active in various church committees serving as Parish Council Chairman, the 25th Anniversary Committee Chairman, Allen Organ Fund Drive chairman, Parish music director recruitment team leader and Co-Chair of the Demetz Nativity collection imported from Italy.

Long active in many charitable and civic organizations in Wallingford and Meriden, he was a member and past president of the Meriden Industrial Management Club and served as president. A member of the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Dept. For 15 years, he also was the organization's secretary. He chaired local United Way events with CUNO.

In 1961, Greg was Yalesville’s first Eagle Scout with Troop #27 sponsored by the Yalesville Men’s Club and continued in his adult life in local scouting activities serving as a Scoutmaster at Meriden Center Congregational Church for many years, also as a Camp Commissioner at Deer Lake Scout Reservation in Killingworth and District Round Table Commissioner.

In 1982 he was a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for significant council level service to young people. He was the first President of Staffordshire Commons Board of Directors for a number of years.

In 1977, he served as Chairman of the Bicentennial Village on the Shore of Wallingford’s Community Lake. A member of the Meriden Colonial Militia, he accompanied the group's visit to Great Britain as part of the Queen's Jubilee.

Among many hobbies, he loved the Christmas season most of all and was a renowned holiday floral designer of commercial, religious and residential locations throughout Connecticut including business facilities, Catholic and Protestant houses of worship, associations and civic sites.

Most notable were his trademark handmade six-foot diameter wreaths, made of white spruce with massive red velvet bows.

Greg loved Christmas and the entire season. He loved to decorate and bring the season's joy to others. His wreaths and lights were magnificent and brought pleasure to many a Yalesville home.

Greg is survived by two brothers, Jeffrey Samal and Thomas Samal and his wife, Brenda; his niece, Alicia Samal, He is survived by many friends including Gail Benigini, Jim Reidinger, Brian Benigini and Kevin McNally.

He was predeceased by his brothers, John Samal Jr. and Brian Samal and his niece, Jennifer Samal.

Greg’s family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 4 pm until 7 pm. A parlor service will be held at 6:30 p.m. during calling hours.

Interment in the In Memoriam Cemetery will be private. A Mass intention for Gregg will be said at the 9 am Mass on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Our Lady of Fatima Church.