Jose Romeo Samoy

Jose Romeo Samoy was born on June 7, 1961 in San Diego California to Romeo Tulao Samoy a U.S career Navy veteran and Norma Palugod Samoy, a pharmacist. He passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025 when he was called to heaven to be with Papa and Mama. He is survived by his sister Liza Samoy Devereux (Paul), brother Joseph Samoy (Lavina), nieces Carissa (Kyle), Elise (Adrian), Meghan and Mika, nephews Sam and Zeke (Leandre), great nieces Rocio, Jordi and Addison, Aunt and God-mother Purita Samoy and numerous cousins and family both here in the U.S. and in the Philippines

Though his given name was Jose, he was affectionately known as “Junji” his entire life. Junji faced many challenges throughout life due to his special needs, but he had a smile and laugh that was contagious and would warm your heart. Though he was non-verbal, you always knew what he liked and dis-liked; though he never played an instrument he loved music and dancing; though he had no formal education he would “read” magazines and books from cover to cover.

Junji enjoyed food, especially pizza, ribs, noodle dishes, salads, most Filipino dishes and of course milk shakes and ice cream. He loved long car rides, (always with his bag of possessions he had accumulated); listening to the radio with the volume high; meticulously ironing and folding laundry; tying and un-tying shoe laces within reach; getting his haircut; shopping at Dollar Tree; getting the morning paper (sometimes not even his own); checking every light switch and door in the house and countless other chores we will miss.

Junji touched the lives of all he came in contact with from family and friends to care givers, hospital staff during his stays and even strangers met while out on his adventures. He taught us all how to care, be patient, show understanding but most of all how to love. His autism tempered his displays of affection, but our family felt his love for us and us for him.

Junji will be dearly missed by his family, but we know he is free in heaven and reunited with Papa, Mama and family members who went before him. Rest in peace Junji until we are reunited again