Daniel James Samela

February 16, 2022

Daniel James Samela, 73, of Waterbury passed away peacefully at his home, following his nine month battle with pancreatic cancer, on February 16th surrounded by his loving family. As a child and throughout his teenage years, Dan loved spending all of his free time playing football and baseball. There was nothing more that Dan loved than to share his stories of playing competitive youth sports, including playing for city championships, and playing at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury. He graduated in 1966 from Crosby High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Providence College; at Providence he was able to continue his passion and love of baseball, where he played center field for the Friars. After a successful junior season, he was offered a spot playing outfield for the Bourne Braves of the prestigious Cape Cod Collegiate Summer League. Dan valued and cherished sportsmanship and always had a competitive nature. His love and passion for sports lives on in his children and grandchildren. Dan has forever put others ahead of himself. He adored spending time with his family at cook outs by the pool. and appreciated the simple beauty of fall foliage and walks on the beach in Madison. Dan loved ice cream, a good hot dog, and would often be heard humming to music. Retirement was not in Dan’s cards. Throughout his entire life, he demonstrated a work ethic second to none, and believed in providing any opportunity for his family, no matter how hard he had to work for it. Over the years Dan has been called a husband, colleague, Coach Senior, friend, cousin, brother, son, uncle, & dog sitter extraordinaire; but his true legacy is that of a father and grandfather. His family is his legacy. He was a constant support to Barbara, his former wife, lifelong friend, and mother to his children; He was known as “dad” to his five kids, David, Amy, Brian, Chris and Hayley; and father-in-law to Katie, Tracey and Rob. Dan was always helping someone, and was the best listener around. Dan was also known as “Grampa” to Jake, Lauren, Jaden, Maggie, Tyson, and Paige. Every Saturday and Sunday he would be running from one baseball game to another one, then off to a lacrosse game, hockey game, or volleyball game. After a game, Grampa was known to text the grandkids giving them feedback on how they played; they valued his thoughts and knew he was always present, supporting them every step of the way. Dan will be Forever Loved, Forever Missed, & Forever in our Hearts. And we know he will forever be watching from the stands. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for family and friends.