F. Samu
Frank Kenneth “Ken” Samu
August 6th 1937 – August 7th 2025
Frank Kenneth Samu, lovingly known as Ken throughout his life, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on August 7th 2025, at his home in Shelton, Connecticut, at the age of 88.
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on August 6th 1937, Ken was the valedictorian of his eighth-grade class at Saint Stephen’s School. He graduated from Fairfield Prep in 1955, then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Philosophy from Boston College in 1959. He continued his education at the University of Bridgeport, earning a master’s degree in Education in 1960, and later, a second master’s degree in Commercial Banking.
Ken began his professional career at People’s Savings Bank, where he rose to the position of Vice President before becoming President of Monroe Savings Bank. He later transitioned into a successful career in sales with ERA, which took him from Connecticut to Florida as a Regional Director. He concluded his career at Fidelity Federal in Delray Beach, Florida.
Ken valued giving back to the community. From a young age, he served as an altar boy and grew to become a proud Rotarian and Knight of Columbus. He volunteered serving meals to the homeless in Florida. He was a cantor at Emmanuel Church in Delray Beach, FL and several other churches in Trumbull, CT. He had an incredible talent for singing. He was a part of the Melody Men Barbershop quartet, The Coastal Chordsmen and the Mendelssohn Choir. He was also a member of the Shelton Songsters at the Shelton Senior Center and often sang solos.
Ken and his beloved wife Beth cherished 30 wonderful years together living by the beach in Florida, where they enjoyed time with friends, volunteer work at the church, weekly meetings with the Rotary Club, playing golf together, attending football games at Florida Atlantic University, hosting out of town visitors and showing them South Florida living, playing card games on the patio and by the pool, and countless Friday nights at Sal’s Italian Ristorante. Ken and Beth always looked forward to their visits with his daughter Karen and son-in-law Mike and had so much fun making memories with his son Richard, who lived close by in Fort Lauderdale, FL
After Beth’s passing, Ken returned to Shelton, Connecticut, where he spent the past six years enjoying the company of his lifelong Fairfield Prep friends, participating in senior center activities, singing in the chorus, playing bingo, and most of all, spending time with his cherished family.
Ken was deeply devoted to his family and loved creating special memories with his grandchildren, whether it was one on one trips to Florida filled with visits to “Poppie’s,” afternoons at the beach, or outings to Lion Country Safari. You could always find Ken sitting on the sidelines cheering his grandchildren on at swim meets, golf matches, baseball and soccer games. His daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Patrick cared for him in their home with unwavering love, sharing countless trips together, football games, concerts, and special moments with close friends, especially in his final years. He went everywhere they went together.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to their dear friend Sheila Jones for her selfless care, kindness, and friendship, especially during Ken’s final weeks.
Ken was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth Samu; his son Kenneth Samu; stepsons Robert Margait and Michael Margait; his parents Margaret and Julius Samu; and his siblings John Samu, Margaret Paniccia, and Priscilla Nadhazi.
He is survived by his children Karen Urban (Michael), Richard Samu (Michael), Kathleen Colligan (Patrick), Mark Margait (Diane), and Patty Hayes; grandchildren , Jennifer, Robert, Kristen, Aimee, Andrew, Shane and Michelle; and great-grandchildren William, Arthur, and Robert II.
Please honor Ken by living out the following “Rules to Live by” that he developed:
1. Be Calm: Relax & enjoy the process
2. Be Confident: You have the knowledge and wisdom inside of you
3. Be in Command: Forget your coaches, opponents, teammates, BE YOU
Ken’s love for baseball was lifelong. As a boy, he went to Williamsport, PA where he played in the Little League World Series in 1949 and 1950 with the City of Bridgeport, an achievement that brought him great pride.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Ken Samu to North End Little League 425 Thorme Street Bridgeport, CT 06606 or you can Zelle @ Nellbridgeport@yahoo.com to help underprivileged children have the opportunity to play baseball—honoring a sport that meant so much to Ken.
Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Thursday August 14th 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church 50 Fairmont Pl. Shelton. Interment at Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. Friends may greet the family at church from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM followed by a Catholic Mass at 10:00 AM.