Rev. Fr. Raymond J. Samoila, age 97, of North Canton, passed away Friday, May 18, 2012, at Shepherd's Gate Assisted Living in Hartville.
Fr. Ray was born January 30, 1915, in Newark, Ohio, to Joseph and Paraschiva (Mihu) Samoila.
A graduate of Alba-Iula High School in Romania, Fr. Ray attended the University of King Carol I in Bucharest, Romania. He also attended Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, PA, before graduating from Case Western Reserve with a degree in Criminal Investigation.
Fr. Ray retired from the City of Canton Police Department in 1978 as a Captain, and had served as the Parish Priest of St. Nicholas Romanian Church in Alliance and St. Elias in Ellwood City, PA.
He was a member of St. George Romanian Orthodox Church in Canton, and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Survivors include his two sons, Raymond L. (Ellen) Samoila of Hartville and Richard A. Samoila, and special friend, Kim Gednetz, of the home; three granddaughters, Lisa M. Zona, Kathy L. (Dean) Lipster, and Michelle R. (Doug) Fliger; four great-grandchildren, Lindsey and Lexie Lipster and Kasey and Jake Fliger; several nieces and nephews, as well as special niece, Helen (Charles) Trumball.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 71 years, Mary C. (Cristia) Samoila, whom he married September 16, 1939 and who died April 12, 2011; two sisters, Marie Boican and Helen Cowden and brother, Joseph Samoila.
Services will be held at Noon Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at St. George Romanian Orthodox Church, 144 30th St. NW, Canton, Ohio, con-celebrated by V. Rev. Fr. George Treff and Rev. Fr. Pantelimon Stanciu. His Eminence the Most Rev. Arch Bishop Nathaniel (Popp) will be in attendance.
Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the church, with a Fraternal Order of Police Service to be held at 9:45 a.m.
Interment will be at North Lawn Cemetery, in Canton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. George Romanian Orthodox Church.
Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, Ohio 44601.