Obituary of Carl Kenrick Samuelson

Carl Kenrick Samuelson Allegany, NY Carl Kenrick Samuelson of 3428 Fortune Drive passed away peacefully Thursday (October 15, 2015) in his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 14, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio to Iver and Clara Babbage Samuelson, he lived there until his family moved to Olean in 1937. His first job was a paper route for the Cleveland Press and he always had a soft spot for the Browns and the Indians. He loved the game of baseball, and was a big NY Mets fan, despite family members liking the NY Yankees. Carl met and fell in love with the former JoAnn McAuliffe and they were married March 3, 1942. For over 63 years they shared a great life adventure. He worked his whole life doing the right things, the things he was supposed to do, and caring for his wife and family. They built a fine life, in part due to his selflessness, character, and steadfastness. Together they laid a foundation for a content and meaningful life. His sense of humor shined through countless Grandpa jokes and stories. Carl (also known as Sam or Sammy) graduated from Olean High School, class of 1940. His yearbook cited him as "Most Clever", of which he remained proud throughout his life. He served in the US. Coast Guard during WWII and was stationed in Boston and in Greenland. After returning to Olean after the war, Carl joined the First Baptist Church of Olean, where he was a member up until his death. He was truly a man of great strength and quiet courage, reflecting his faith. He knew that the blessings in his life were far greater than any burdens or pain that also came his way. He worked at the Exchange Bank of Olean, later Bank of New York and now Community Bank, for 40 years. He walked to work almost every day. He began his career as a runner, and culminated it as Vice President. He was truly "your friendly, neighborhood banker", who helped many people with their personal and business finances. His integrity could not be questioned, and he was beloved by family, friends, and neighbors. After retiring from the bank, Carl served as Cattaraugus County Tourism Director for several years. He gave countless hours back to the community, serving as Treasurer for various organizations from the Boy Scouts, to the YMCA and to Rotary International. He was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Olean Rotary Club. He was involved locally for many years with the March of Dimes since its near inception in this area and he also faithfully donated blood to the American Red Cross for over 30 years. Carl was an avid bowler. When the effects of a stroke precluded him from continuing in that sport, he joined a horseshoe league. He was a past Secretary for both the Olean Bowling Association and the NYS Bowling Association. He was inducted into the Cattaraugus County Sports Hall of Fame and the National Bowling Hall of Fame. He and his wife have enjoyed almost 20 summers at their Cuba Lake home, playing cards with special neighbors and dear friends Pete and Sue Simmons. He enjoyed playing cribbage with anyone who would challenge him. Surviving besides his wife are his children Kenrick (Sharon) Samuelson of Millersville, MD, Richard Samuelson (Debbie Freeman) and Randall (Carolyn) Samuelson, both of Olean, Russell (Chi Chi) Samuelson of Upper Darby, PA and Marcialyn (John) Dunkerley of Portsmouth, VA. He was a proud grandfather to K. C. (Savannah) Samuelson, Derrick Samuelson, Lauren (Daniel) Maguire, Carl (Candice) Samuelson and John Samuelson, and 4 great grandchildren. His legacy of kindness and patience and service will live on through them all. He was predeceased by a brother Marvin Samuelson and 2 sisters June Very and Doris Samuelson. Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Funeral services will be held Tuesday (October 20, 2015) at 2pm at the First Baptist Church in Olean. Rev. Dan McDowell and Rev. Millard Cook, will co-officiate. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the First Baptist Church of Olean, 133 S. Union St. Olean, NY 14760, Homecare and Hospice, 1225 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760, the SPCA, PO Box 375 Olean, NY 14760 or to the American Red Cross. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.