Obituary of Erich John Samide

Erich J. Samide, 80, formerly of East Northport, New York, passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2024, with his family by his side.

Erich was born to the late Josef and Anna (Jaklitsch) Samide on April 2, 1943, in the Gotschee region of the former Yugoslavia. At the young age of 7, he and his parents courageously immigrated to the United States to create a better life, settling in Ridgewood, New York. While it was undoubtedly scary and challenging for a young boy to be living in a great big city, surrounded by people speaking a different language, Erich flourished in his new homeland with the unwavering love and guidance of his most beloved Uncle Johann, his hero. Erich worked diligently throughout his schooling to learn English as his second language and graduated from St. John's Preparatory in 1961. He went on to study at City College, earning an associates degree, while working full-time for the U.S. government. Unfortunately, his tenure at this job was cut short, as he was drafted into the United States Army 25th Infantry Division "Tropic Lightning" in 1965 during the Vietnam War. As a machine-gunner, he valiantly fought for his country on the front lines in the jungles of Pleiku, Vietnam from 1966-1967. Erich was one of the fortunate young men who safely returned home and received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1971.  A dependable and hard-working man, who wanted nothing more than to provide for his family, Erich would go on to work in the accounting departments for Fairchild Republic, until its closure, and then for Telephonics Corporation, from which he retired in 2011 after 20+ years of employment.

After a courtship that began with a chance meeting and dance at a wedding, Erich married Karen (Scheuermann), the love of his life, in 1973, who predeceased him. Together they raised three daughters; Andrea, Mary-Beth, and Erica. Erich's smile shined brightest when he was with them and later his four grandchildren, Emma, Gracie, Noah, and Gabrielle. His greatest joy in life was being with his family, both immediate and extended, and he took great pride in all of their accomplishments. He thoroughly enjoyed just being present for all of their life events, whether they be big or small; marriages, births, graduations, HS basketball games, outings to Yankee baseball games, or just playing on the floor with the kids at family gatherings. He simply found contentment and enjoyment in just being present with his people. Erich always came with a bright smile, dressed for the occasion, flowers in hand, and ready to dance. He was pure love.

A most beloved and cherished dad, opa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Erich is survived by his three daughters Andrea Samide of Slingerlands, NY, Mary-Elizabeth Friot (Jonathan) of DeKalb Junction, NY, and Erica Piraino (Joseph) of North Syracuse, NY. Four grandchildren Emma, Gracie, and Noah Friot and Gabrielle Dunn. His brothers and sisters Andrew Scheuermann, Jr. (Lynn), Gerard Minot-Scheuermann (Patty), Mary-Ellen Kaufold, Jane McNamara (Daniel), Barbara Watanabe (Richard) and Arthur Scheuermann (Barbara). Cousins Crystal (Ingo) Lipp, Marlene (Albert) Pepe, Ingrid (John) Savignano. He will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his most dear uncle Johann (Sophie) Jaklitsch, aunts Helen Stupp and Marie Jaklitsch, and cousin Carol (Adolf) Samide and his father and mother-in law  Andrew and Vera H. Scheuermann.

Visiting Nolan Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Avenue, Northport, NY Thursday January 11, 2024, 4-8 pm, Funeral Mass Friday 10 am at St. Philip Neri Church, Northport. Burial to follow at Parish cemetery with Army Honors.