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John Sampson Obituary
Founder, Sampson Brothers Landscaping
BILLERICA -- John H. Sampson Jr., age 69, beloved husband of Janice M. (Potzka) Sampson, died Friday, at their home, after a brief illness.
Mr. Sampson was born in Newton, May 30, 1943, the son of the late John H. Sampson Sr. and Mary (Addario) Sampson, and lived in Lexington before moving to Billerica 47 years ago.
Mr. Sampson was one of the founders of Sampson Brothers Landscaping in Billerica and was the President of the company until his retirement two years ago. Mr. Sampson was also the owner of Sampson Brothers Loft where he raised, raced and sold pigeon's around the world.
He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing for Salmon on Squam Lake on his boat that he referred to as "The Barge".
Besides his wife, Mr. Sampson is survived by his sons, John H. Sampson III and his wife, Cindy of Tyngsboro, David Sampson and his wife, Lia of Billerica, and Richard Sampson and his wife, Abby of Billerica; his sisters, Karen Lynch of Tewksbury, and Janet Welch of Naples, FL. He is also survived by seven grandchildren.
SAMPSON -- of Billerica, July 20, John H. Sampson Jr. Funeral Tuesday from the SWEENEY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica at 8 a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa Church at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be held Monday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, One Bullfinch Place, Boston, MA 02114. Funeral directors, W.J. and Dean M. Laurendeau. www.sweeneymemorialfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sampson
Kay House
July 16, 2023
You´ll never be forgotten
Linda Addario Morelli
July 16, 2021
Always will remember him as John John.
Lorry Higgins
July 29, 2012
Rest in peace my cousin! You were a pigeon fancier so you must have been a good man! You took after your grandfather Nick Cuozzi for sure! Love, cousin Lorry Cuozzi Higgins @ Franny
Catherine House
July 29, 2012
So sorry to hear of about this loss. I did not know John but I knew his sister Karen when we were bringing up our family's. She was a dear friend. I loved his mom she was special. Janice I wish you and your family love and pease at this sad time. May you give each other strainth at this time of need. RIP John John.
Linda Addario Morelli
July 29, 2012
So long Cousin John-John, like your pigeons you have taken wing; may this final flight take to the ultimate "Home".
karen lynch
July 29, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Donald Miller
July 24, 2012
I consider myself a lucky man to have known John Sampson, a true sportsman. I will always remember those cold days in October ar Sandwich Bay-weighing and measuring landlocked salmon under the watchful eyes of John and the "crew". May God bless your family John.
Tight Lines Forever
Don Miller
Senior Fisheries Biologist
NH Fish and Game Dept.
Region 2 Office
New Hampton, NH
Patricia Fay
July 23, 2012
Dear Janice, John, Richie and David, I am so sorry for the loss of cousin John-John. My thoughts are with all of you and the rest of your family. My love to you all. Cousin Patty Fay
July 23, 2012
Dear Janice & Family - Just heard of your loss. Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time.
Much love to all - Leah (Fay), Brad, Bella & Cruz George
July 23, 2012
Dear Richie, So sorry for the loss of your dad. Pam,Chris,Kendall and Nate Hixon
Tom Orosz
July 23, 2012
John was a special friend that I corresponded with on an almost daily basis. Squam Lake and John Sampson are synonymous in my opinion. I always looked forward to our Friday fishing trips in late May together. My condolences to his wife Janice and the rest of his family.
July 23, 2012
The pronouncement, “There was never a more dedicated New Hampshire landlocked salmon angler than John Sampson” might ring generic to unknowing ears…but rest assured, true as John's compass pointed north to Squam Lake. John and I had more detailed and passionate interactions than anyone I have ever met – not even a close second – in my entire Fish and Game career. John left no stone (or pebble) unturned given his curiosity, fascination, and stewardship of the salmon fishery. As science and data seem to be further brushed aside for quick Google “expertise”, well, John would not settle for the latter fluff. He knew…the intimate details matter…the same philosophy that made him such a successful angler and person. What a pleasure for a biologist to meet such a unique, inquisitive mind, and share so many journeys into landlocked salmon fisheries management over the years.
But John wasn't satisfied just talking about the fishery….he was about doing, giving back to the resource he so enjoyed. No dipping toes in the shallow end, when John set forth with an endeavor, the bull's horns were nearly ripped off. John was the first dedicated and consistent landlocked salmon creel survey reporter (and recruited fellow anglers to do the same), fin clipping volunteer and organizer, netting and spawning attendant, website co-founder for his beloved Squam Lake, and ultra-dependable information dissemination point-man – objectivity and fact were John's trademarks, a rare catch in the “fisherman's ruler” world!
In a time measured by profit margins, lip service, and attention seekers, John would invite and follow through with acquaintances and newcomers alike to come aboard “The Barge” for a morning's fishing….simply for the purpose of sharing his passion. Some may call him a Squam Lake legend from such memorable catches on “The Barge”, but to those that knew John, the fish had little to do with the legend.
John, your true and sincere interest in New Hampshire's landlocked salmon fishery will never be forgotten. You are the bar by which a true steward of this resource will forever be measured.
John A. Viar
Fisheries Biologist
NH Fish and Game
Region 2 Office
New Hampton
J.R. Hennessy
July 23, 2012
Jim Hennessy (J.R.) - July 23rd, 2012 at 9:33am - Email
Big John & his beloved "barge" were "legends" with the salmon fishermen at Squam. It will never be the same out there without you Big John however we all know you will be looking down at us as the sun rises near Deephaven reef. God Bless you my friend Big John.
Forrest Currier
July 22, 2012
John was a great guy. And I am proud to say he was my friend and a good one at that. I had a lot of good times fishing with him on his boats as well as on mine.He was most comfortable on the Old barge. He bought his new barge because the old one had seen better days, but I think if he were here, he would say he truly liked the old one better. Go Rest High My Ole Friend.
Forry
Robin Richardson Orcutt
July 22, 2012
To my dear Aunt Janice and cousins John, David and Rich....Keep all those wonderful memories close to your heart and he will be with you always. He loved you all so very much. Take care of your familes as he took care of you and I know he will be smiling down from Heaven. God proves once again that he only takes the very best.....and he was one of the best. Love you all.
Roger Bellerose
July 22, 2012
John was a wonderful person who cared deeply for his friends and family. We feel blessed to have crossed paths with him several years ago. He re-kindled my love for salmon fishing and I am truly thankful for time spent with him. Until we meet again John.
God Bless
Roger (Fish'n Squam Again)
Linda Travers
July 22, 2012
My dearest John,
My oldest and best friend, you were always in my thoughts. I will pray for your family and know how very much you loved them. I will pray for you, and know how very much you were loved. Rest in peace John.
Jack Russell
July 22, 2012
Johnny and I go back to high school. We built hot rods together. After we both attended East Coast Aero Tech, he and Janice went on to raise a wonderful family. Cindy and he were avid fishing buddies. May he soar to Heaven on the wings of his racing pigeons. Cindy and Jack Russell and his daughters
Jo-Anne Lucas
July 22, 2012
It has been over 30 years since I saw the Sampsons but the best memories of my early childhood was hanging out with the three boys and thinking even at a young age how cool Mr. and Mrs. Sampson were. Rest in peace Mr Sampson and may god wrap his arms around Janice and the boys during this difficult time.
July 22, 2012
Janice, I am so saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Tremblay
Thomas Michel
July 22, 2012
John was a wise, warm, brave, and generous man. I feel fortunate to have known him as a good friend and fishing buddy on his favorite lake. I wish his family strength in this very sad time.
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