Michael J. Samolewicz

Michael J. Samolewicz, 74, formerly of Ryan Road passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024 at his home. Michael was born in Northampton to the late John and Margaret (Forrestall) Samolewicz. Mike was a lifelong resident of the city. He grew up on Trumbull Road, attending local schools and graduating from St. Michaels High School in Northampton in 1967, where he was an altar server and a standout basketball player. Mike joined the US Army in 1970 and proudly served as a Sergeant in Berlin. He was honorably discharged, receiving the Berlin Army Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He returned home and settled on Ryan Road in Florence. Mike was an adoring husband to his wife of 38 years, Patti Samolewicz. They shared a life of love and devotion, along with plenty of laughter, while raising their family together. Mike worked for the USPS as a mail carrier for 28 years before retiring. Mike was very involved in baseball in the city. He coached his children in Little League through their youth to serving on the board for American Legion Post 28 baseball for many years, where he was a longtime supporter. Michael was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia (Shepard) Samolewicz and two children; John (Jack) and Em Samolewicz. He leaves his children; Todd Samolewicz of Florence, Scott and his wife, Aileen of Leeds, Amie Tracy and her husband Eric of Longmeadow and Melanie Samolewicz of Northampton. He also leaves his grandchildren; Lily, Samantha, and Jack Tracy; Isabel Samolewicz; and Genevieve, Marie and Emily Samolewicz and many nieces and nephews as well as the extended members of the Shepard family. He is also survived by his sisters, Linda Hadla and Margaret Hurteau. THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS ON MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2024 AT AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 BRIDGE RD., NORTHAMPTON FROM 9:00 TO 10:30 A.M. FOLLOWED BY A LITURGY OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL AT 11:00 A.M. AT ANNUNCIATION CHURCH, BEACON ST., FLORENCE. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Northampton where the US Army will render military honors for Michael's service to his country. Memorial contributions may be made to Northampton Dollars for Scholars (memo line: The Em Samolewicz Memorial Art Scholarship) P.O. Box 60382 Florence, MA 01062 or online at northampton.dollarsforscholars.org