Samuel Simoes

Sam was a unique, generous soul with a gift for storytelling. His wicked sense of humor and easy-going nature sometimes masked his brilliant, dark sense of humor. Sam was an insightful, warm person full of experience. He brought laughter to all who knew him.

The third son of Alexandrina and Samuel Simoes Pandierada of Newark, NJ. He is predeceased by his brother, Armindo, and his parents. He is survived by his oldest brother, John of Frederick, MD.

A talented tradesman, Sam learned the value of education from his Portuguese immigrant parents. With a loan from his father, he earned his New Jersey state-electrical license from Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT), while working at duPont de Nemours in Newark.

He became an electrician for the Newark Housing Authority, before his success as a Port Authority Crane Electrician at Maersk Container and Shipping in Elizabeth, NJ. Sam joined Showboat Hotel Casino in 1987 as lead electrician until he retired in 2008. He loved working in Atlantic City, especially showing off his grandchildren at the annual Showboat Family (Employee) Picnics at Morey’s Pier and Mariner’s Landing in Wildwood.

Sam is pre-deceased by the fire of his life, his wife of 53 years, Grace, who shared his vision to change their lives, leave Kenilworth behind, and live ‘down the shore.’ Grace and Sam took a big risk with their savings on a Beach Haven West lot. Together, they built their bayfront dream home. Sam lived the best years of life there, on his boat, fishing with his grandchildren and his dogs, Buster and Buddy.

Sam leaves behind his supportive daughter, Kristine Mary, his loving son-in-law, Thomas F. McCann, his best girl, aka (his) Miss Barcelona, granddaughter, Grace Ann McCann, his #1 guy, aka (his) Maverick, his grandson Thomas Samuel McCann. He is also survived by his talented, grandson-in-law, Connor Kane, and his best pals, granddogs. Ricky and Lucy (ARF spells Arf).

Sam is also survived by his best friend James (Jimmy) Schlick of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, and his lovely wife, Nancy, who showed Sam the value of true friendship in these last years as a widower. He will also be missed by the countless Manahawkin and Barnegat Wawa patrons, staff, and vendors, who stood patiently in line behind him buying scratch-offs and NJ Lottery tickets daily and who cherished his quick wit, stories, and one-liners.

Sam had a rich heart and was an animal lover. He’d rather spend time with dogs than people, especially in his later years.

In lieu of flowers, Sam would like donations to be made to the Popcorn Park Zoo, Lacey Township, NJ. https://ahscares.org