Col. Robert K. Samia, U.S Army Ret.

Col. Robert K. Samia, U.S. Army Ret., 82, of Worcester and Eleuthera, Bahamas, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Vibra Hospital in Leicester.    Col. Samia is survived by daughters, Sallie Samia Street of VA and Nicole Mosley of MA; five sons, Robert B. Samia of VA; Donald Samia of MA; Douglas Samia of FL; Philip Samia of MA; and Christopher Samia of MA; a brother, Roger G Samia and his wife Nancy of Shrewsbury; fourteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.  Robert was born in Worcester, son of the late Edward G. and Elizabeth Rachel (Kaneb) Samia, and he has lived most of his life between Worcester and Eleuthera.  He graduated in 1953 from Worcester Academy and in 1957 he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics from Norwich University Military College, Northfield, Vermont.  Col. Samia was a career soldier, serving as an advisor in Vietnam. He served his nation with pride, spending the first ten years in the US Army with the Corps of Engineers.  One of his assignments was with the 82nd Airborne where he had 257 military jumps.  Another highlight was a six-month tour of duty with the French Army 10th Region in Constantine, Algeria.  Upon his return to the United States he continued to serve in the U.S. Army National Guard and served as Civil Defense Director for the City of Worcester.  He was a member of Saint George Orthodox Cathedral.  He was a Mason and a member of S.A.M.E.  Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Monday, June 12, 2017 from 9-9:45 A.M. followed by his funeral service at 10: 00 a.m. in St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna St., Worcester, MA. To share your thoughts and memories of Robert, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com