Richard Samlin

Obituary of Richard A. Samlin

Richard A. Samlin

At Rest Friday, May 5, 2017 peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born August 21, 1929 in LaSalle, IL to the late John P. and Annabelle L. (nee Parks) Samlin. His childhood and school years were devoted to his love of sports. He received honors and set school records at LaSalle-Peru High School in track and field and Illinois Valley Community College as a state football champion. Richard earned a full scholarship in football to Adams State College, Alamosa, CO where he was an all conference champion for four years and was voted Little All American in his senior year. His education was vast, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Adams State, two Masters in Education from University of Illinois and a Doctorate in Secondary Education from Nova University in Florida.

His coaching career began in Branson, CO and extended to Buda, IL, Bradley-Bourbonnais, IL, and Joliet West High School. He was admired for his expertise and skill in the areas of track, football, and basketball where he left a trail of state championships and titles in his path.

Richard's teaching career spanned a total of 37 years with knowledge in U.S. History and Civics taught at the high school level. He was an adjunct professor at Joliet Junior College for 33 years teaching Psychology. After leaving the classroom, he walked the halls of Joliet West as a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal before retiring in 1997.

He was a member of the Illinois Dean, Assistant Principal and Principal Association, the National Association of Pupil Personnel Administration, the National Association for Curriculum Development, and the Will County School Administration Association.

Survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joan M. (nee Gibson) Samlin; daughter, Cynthia M. (Joseph) Streit; and grandpuppy, Chloe. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Richard is preceded by his parents; one brother, John R. Samlin; maternal and paternal grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral Services for Richard A. Samlin will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 11:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Avenue, Joliet where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 NOON. Cremations rites will be accorded following services. Private inurnment Woodlawn Memorial Park at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials made in Richard's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Visitation Tuesday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com

Tuesday
9
May

Visitation

3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet
3200 Black at Essington Roads
Joliet, Illinois, United States
(815) 741-5500
Wednesday
10
May

Mass of Christian Burial

12:00 pm
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus
604 N. Raynor Avenue
Joliet, Illinois, United States
Prayers at the funeral home chapel will begin at 11:15 a.m. before processing to the Church.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials made in Richard's name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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