Charles James Samila, Sr., age 81 of Chesterton, passed away Sunday,
November 20, 2011 at his home.
He was born October 11, 1930 in East Chicago, Indiana, to John and Sophia (Peresta)
Samila, both of whom preceded him in death.
On September 2, 1953 in St. Basil’s Church, East Chicago he married JoAnne
Lambert Samila who survives in Chesterton.
Also surviving are his children Charles J. (Norma Bratcher) Samila Jr. of
Porter, Diane E. (Bill) Cooley of Valparaiso, Suzi M. (Dan) Galvin of
Chesterton and John J. Samila of Porter, 11 grandchildren, 9
great-grandchildren and a brother John Samila, of Florida.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Mike Stimak, Helen
Sullivan and Mary Kane.
He was a member of St. Patrick Church, former member of the Knights of
Columbus and the Moose Lodge. He was a member of IBEW Local Union 531 for 50
years and a member of IHSSA, an active umpire and football referee,
officiating for many different sports.
Charles worked for Duneland Schools helping make it a corporation. He was
Supervisor of Building and Maintenance for Duneland Schools for 27 years.
He enjoyed hiking at the dunes, golfing, any sport, playing musical
instruments and camping.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday November 29, 2011 at
11:00 a.m. from St. Patrick Church, 638 N. Calumet, Chesterton, with Father
James Meade officiating. Burial will be in Chesterton Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday, November 28, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the
White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S. 2nd St., Chesterton, with a wake service at
7:30 p.m. on Monday.
Memorials may be given to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
For information please call White-Love Funeral Home at 219-926-1309.
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