Roy M. Samra

Roy M. Samra, 86, a lifelong resident of Greater Worcester and local business owner, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Roy was born on August 9, 1937, one of three sons of Lebanese immigrants, George Samra Sr., and Sadie (Abraham) Samra. Raised in the Lebanese neighborhood of Grafton Hill, he graduated from Commerce High School and the Ollis Beauty Academy in 1957.

Roy is survived by his wife of over 57 years, Maureen (Cove) Samra; his children, Tracy (Samra) Casey and her husband James of Holden, Michael Samra and his wife Ellen of Lexington; his four cherished grandchildren, Maggie, Jack and Lily Casey, and Alexander Samra; a brother, Raymond Samra and his wife Virginia of Hudson; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends both here and in West Palm Beach, FL. His parents, his brother, George Samra Jr., and sister-in-law, Delores Samra, predeceased him.

Roy deeply loved his family. He was a devoted husband, hands-on father, and a beloved Gido to his grandchildren, always making an effort to show up to cheer them on. Nothing made him happier than spending a Sunday afternoon gathered around the dinner table with generations of parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews who were lucky to gather with him.

Roy was an active and committed member of St. George Orthodox Cathedral. Roy began in the Cathedral choir as a boy and spent the next 75 singing in service of the parish, where he was known for his distinctive bass voice. He was a member of the Men’s Club on Plantation Street, was a volunteer at the church, and took great joy in spending time with the parishioners of St. George, which he considered to be family.

Roy met his business partner Robert Lapierre at the Ollis Beauty Academy, and they co-founded the first Rob Roy Salon on Pearl Street in 1961. Over the years that followed, their business grew to a chain of 21 Rob Roy Hair Salons and 5 Rob Roy Academy Schools. Roy always supported and encouraged his students, staff, and customers both personally and professionally, and felt passionately about giving others the opportunity to have a career in an industry that had been so good to him. Roy also co-owned and operated Culpepper’s Bakery on Southbridge Street with Robert and Kevin Bonaventura. Always a commensurate businessman, Roy continued to work until he fell ill in April.

In addition to being known at his church and in the business community, Roy was easily recognized by his bright red corvette, and was known to light up a room with his good humor, quick wit, undeniable warmth, and big smile. Belied by his easy-going nature, Roy had a quiet competitive streak, and enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and bocce locally and in West Palm, as well as cards in the evening with Maureen, wherever they were. Beyond all else, Roy loved people, and made family out of friends everywhere he went. He saw the good in everybody and believed in always giving people a chance.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 19 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and again on Wednesday, September 20th  from 10:00 to 10:45 pm at the St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester, MA. His funeral service will begin at 11:00 am and will be celebrated by the Very Rev. Fr. Milad Selim. Burial will be in the Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Roy’s name to The St. George Orthodox Cathedral.