Obituary for Louis J. Sampson Jr.
Louis J. Sampson, who died April 23, 2021, was born in Watertown, Mass., the son of Margaret (MacClean) and Louis Sampson. His only sibling was his identical twin brother, Douglas, with whom he remained close his entire life.
So close, in fact, that when his cousin Helen wanted to fix Douglas up on a blind date with her best friend Mary Downing, Louis stepped in when his brother got cold feet. Louis and Mary wed in 1972, first renting an apartment in Cambridge, then eventually buying a little house in Waltham, where Louis was a devoted and loving husband to Mary until her death.
Although the couple had no children of their own, they lived an active, busy life, and were a cherished presence in the lives of Louis’s cousins and their children. They traveled frequently to Canada to visit relatives, they loved cards and cribbage. Louis hunted and fished with his father and brother, and was a passionate follower of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. He worked in the field of electrical testing; it appealed to his meticulous, analytical nature and love of order. He had a great interest in technology and embraced computers in a way many of his contemporaries did not, even in his later years. He also served six years in the National Guard.
Generally, a quiet man, Louis was famous for letting the lively and vivacious Mary do the talking. But even a small conversation with Louis revealed what a lovely man he was; insightful and observant, with a caring, generous, cheerful soul. He also possessed a very dry, droll wit that was always welcome at family gatherings.
Following the deaths of his dear brother Douglas in 2000, and Mary in 2012, Louis continued to be committed to both his civic and spiritual life. He was a longstanding member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Treasurer for many years. Deeply religious, he was an active member and tireless volunteer at the Sacred Heart church in Waltham, where he ran the Bingo and 311 Club.
His final years were spent undergoing almost endless treatments for cancer, which he faced, uncomplainingly to the end, with his usual courage, grace, quiet good humor, and optimism.
Louis’s family wishes to thank the Beth Israel Hospital Cancer Treatment Center for their care, and asks for donations on their behalf, in lieu of flowers.
For the safety of those we love and care about during this difficult time, those who wish to pay their respects to Louis and his family can do so in accordance with CDC, federal, state, and local guidelines at the Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, on Tuesday, April 27th from 2 - 4 pm. We ask that friends please be mindful and respectful of the current limitations on social gatherings. For those who wish to pay their final respects but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralHome.com.
Following the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Boston, family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Louis’s life and remember the love he shared with those he touched at a Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church at 311 River Street, Waltham on Wednesday, April 28 at 10:00 am. His burial will follow at Mt. Feake Cemetery in Waltham.
So close, in fact, that when his cousin Helen wanted to fix Douglas up on a blind date with her best friend Mary Downing, Louis stepped in when his brother got cold feet. Louis and Mary wed in 1972, first renting an apartment in Cambridge, then eventually buying a little house in Waltham, where Louis was a devoted and loving husband to Mary until her death.
Although the couple had no children of their own, they lived an active, busy life, and were a cherished presence in the lives of Louis’s cousins and their children. They traveled frequently to Canada to visit relatives, they loved cards and cribbage. Louis hunted and fished with his father and brother, and was a passionate follower of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins. He worked in the field of electrical testing; it appealed to his meticulous, analytical nature and love of order. He had a great interest in technology and embraced computers in a way many of his contemporaries did not, even in his later years. He also served six years in the National Guard.
Generally, a quiet man, Louis was famous for letting the lively and vivacious Mary do the talking. But even a small conversation with Louis revealed what a lovely man he was; insightful and observant, with a caring, generous, cheerful soul. He also possessed a very dry, droll wit that was always welcome at family gatherings.
Following the deaths of his dear brother Douglas in 2000, and Mary in 2012, Louis continued to be committed to both his civic and spiritual life. He was a longstanding member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Treasurer for many years. Deeply religious, he was an active member and tireless volunteer at the Sacred Heart church in Waltham, where he ran the Bingo and 311 Club.
His final years were spent undergoing almost endless treatments for cancer, which he faced, uncomplainingly to the end, with his usual courage, grace, quiet good humor, and optimism.
Louis’s family wishes to thank the Beth Israel Hospital Cancer Treatment Center for their care, and asks for donations on their behalf, in lieu of flowers.
For the safety of those we love and care about during this difficult time, those who wish to pay their respects to Louis and his family can do so in accordance with CDC, federal, state, and local guidelines at the Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, on Tuesday, April 27th from 2 - 4 pm. We ask that friends please be mindful and respectful of the current limitations on social gatherings. For those who wish to pay their final respects but are unable to attend, please be sure to sign the guestbook at www.BrascoFuneralHome.com.
Following the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Boston, family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Louis’s life and remember the love he shared with those he touched at a Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church at 311 River Street, Waltham on Wednesday, April 28 at 10:00 am. His burial will follow at Mt. Feake Cemetery in Waltham.