George Samara

George Samara, 85, of Main Street, in Shrewsbury, passed away, Thursday, May 8, 2008, in Marlborough Hospital. His wife of fifty-eight years, Edna M. (Insull) Samara, pre-deceased him in December 2002. George is survived by his two loving children, J. Kevin Samara of Shrewsbury, and Karen A. Feen and her husband Gary of Wilbraham; three grandchildren, Scott Feen, Nicole Nolan and Elizabeth Samara; a great granddaughter, Moira Nolan; a sister, Lorice Senno of Cumberland, Rhode Island; a brother in law, David Insull in Georgia; a sister in law, Lily Samara Attela of Yarmouth; Phyllis Samara of Shrewsbury; his NEADS service dog, "Pops"; many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by three brothers, Robert, Russell, and Albert Samara. George was born in Leominster, son of Joseph K. and Charlotte (Merhige) Samara. He graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester, Roosevelt Engineering School in Long Island, NY and has lived in Shrewsbury since 1953. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, and was stationed at Dunkerswell US Naval Airbase in Honiton, Devon, UK where he served with Joseph Kennedy, Jr. George and his wife, Edna met during his military tour of duty in Great Britain. George was a devoted husband and caregiver to his wife after she was inflicted by polio in 1953. Mr. Samara and his wife were the founders and operated the Shropshire Shoppe and Gallery in Shrewsbury since 1971. The Shropshire was the largest collectible retailer in the USA. The Samara's traveled extensively importing specialties items for their customers. Mr. Samara was a respected appraiser of collectibles and antiquity. Mr. Samara previously had been a second generation owner, with his brothers, of Economy Distributors Inc. He was a member of Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, Mr. Samara was a 32nd Degree Mason with The Matthew John Whittall Lodge of Masons in Shrewsbury. He was also a Shriner and member of the Victor Quaranta American Legion Post. A funeral service for George will be held Tuesday, May 13 at 10 a.m. in Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. Calling hours will be held Monday, May 12 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a Trisagon Service at 7:30 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Members of the Matthew John Whittall Lodge will gather at 7 p.m. during calling hours to conduct their ritual. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Samara's wishes were to have donations made to Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester or NEADS, New England Assistance Dog Services, P.O. Box 213 West Boylston, MA 01583.