Peter L. Samarziya

BESSEMER, Mich. - Peter L. Samarziya, 91, of Bessemer, passed away Friday, Feb. 13, 2015. 

Pete was born on Sept. 16, 1923, in Bessemer, a son of Marko and Julia (Tirpik) Samarziya. He attended Barber School, Washington Junior High School and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School with the class of 1941. Peter played one year of basketball at Washington and three years at A.D. Johnston.

Upon graduation, Pete went to Detroit to seek employment. He worked for a construction company, a tool and die company, Excello Corporation and then 20 years for the Lincoln Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company, where he became foreman in charge of all repairs off the final assembly. Finally, Peter worked for the Sisters of Mercy at Mercy College of Detroit and their Provincial Headquarters as supervisor of maintenance for 20 years.

Peter served in the military from 1943 to 1946, first in the infantry and then in the Air Force as an airplane and engine mechanic. He attained the rank of sergeant and lastly held the position of line chief.

On Jan. 18, 1945, Peter was united in marriage to Mildred J. Prell. They were blessed with nearly 65 years of happy marriage.

Pete enjoyed sports and gardening. He took pride in doing carpentry work and making repairs around his house.

Peter is survived by two sons, Michael (Lorraine), Lapeer, and Raymond (Freida), Sterling Heights; a grandson, Jeffrey (Nicole), Kenmore, Wash .; two granddaughters, Susanne (Al) Toole, Sanford, Fla., and Joanna Samarziya, Sterling Heights; a great-grandson, Shane Toole, Sanford; a sister, Frances Malmberg, Bessemer; three step-granddaughters, Jenny, Lisa and Jeannie; two step-great-grandsons, Alex and Jacob; two step-great-granddaughters, Madison and Charlize; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Mildred, on Sept. 15, 2008; two brothers, Frank, in infancy and John; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Ann and Charles Bolognino, Mary Ulianelli and Katherine and Michael Martin; a nephew, Donald Samarziya; and a great-nephew, Derrick Brown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, with the Rev. Fr. Antony Lukka, celebrant.

Following the Mass, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 Honor Guard.

A reception will be held at Father Swoboda Hall at the church following the military salute.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at a later date at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Wakefield, Jerald Rocco, owner-manager. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.