Service Information
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service
Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
The family will be receiving condolences beginning at 11:30 am. The funeral will begin promptly at 12:15 pm.
Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights
Shiva Information
Shiva Information
Following the service
please join the family at the home of:
Zachary and Jessica Samson
23633 North Sanctuary Club Drive
Kildeer, Illinois 60047
until 9 PM
The family requests you use
the Valet Parking provided
No Gratuities, please.
Contributions
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to
Partners for Progress
partnersforprogressnfp.org
in the name of Roger Samson
Obituary
Roger Samson passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on September 15, 1954, he grew up in the tight-knit community of Timber Ridge on Sleeping Bear Road in Skokie, IL where he forged lifelong friendships that now span generations. His parents, Ben and Bernice Samson, owned and operated the wholesale plumbing business Sterling Supply Co. Inc., in Lisle, IL, and after graduating from Evanston-Township High School in 1972 and Drake University in 1976, Roger entered the family business as a natural-born salesman. Roger’s customers and employees were his friends; it was impossible to be one without the other.
In the midst of the blizzard of January 1979, Roger met the love of his life: a 19-year-old girl named Dawn. Though Dawn and Roger would have married within weeks, they impatiently planned a traditional, family-inclusive wedding, finally marrying on August 3, 1980. For the next 45 years, they lived a “Wonderful Life” centered around love, adventure, and tradition. Roger and Dawn raised 5 children in a home with a door that was always open to everyone: friends of all ages, neighbors, teammates, and even strangers. Roger’s generosity reflected his “the more, the merrier” spirit, especially when it came to the children in his life.
Depending on how one knew Roger, they may remember him dressed in his iconic black sweatpants, his Blackhawks winter coat, or his bathing suit, but most of all, they will remember his beaming approachability. From the hockey rink to the racetrack to Disney World to Aruba, Roger made friends wherever he went, adding new names and numbers to his phone that were never deleted. Roger never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, or a check-in call because, above all else, Roger was dependable. If you needed a listening ear, sound advice, a boost in confidence, a new toilet seat, tickets to the hottest show or a tip for a winning bet, Roger was your man.
A truly great man has left this world. A loss that will be felt by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. The greatest void will be felt by his 13 grandchildren, some of whom never got the opportunity to fully absorb his light. It is his family’s mission to ensure the next generation remembers “Rog”, a man who will eternally remain admired, loved, and respected.
Beloved husband and best friend of Dawn; loving father to Ashley (Joe) Ahr, Amanda (Michael) Vukovics, Zachary (Jessica), Benjamin (Taylor), and Jake; cherished grandfather to: Abigail (18), Jack (14), Sam (11), Mabel (10), Finn (7), Caroline (6), William (6), Nicholas (6), Henry (6), Luke (4), Annie (4), Emma (3), and Madelyn (1); son-in-law to Sandra and the late Melvin Goldstein; brother-in-law to Michelle (Errol) Dolin and uncle to Ariel (Andrew) Dufur and Ashley (Aaron) Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Partners for Progress, partnersforprogressnfp.org in the name of Roger Samson.
The family will be receiving condolences Monday, 11:30 AM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. The funeral will begin promptly at 12:15 PM followed immediately by interment at Shalom Memorial Park. For further information or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home: www.shalommemorial.org http://www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
December 19th, 2025
Just heard of his passing. Chopper was what we called him in High School. I hung out with the Timber Ridge Gang and have found memories of Chopper and how welcoming his parents were when we visited their home. Sorry we lost touch, last time we spoke was Pre-Covid when I was at Rick Prohov’s house for a get together. Chopper made a point to speak with me on the phone while I was there. Sorry for the loss of Roger. He was a great guy!
~Carol Psotka Miller
~Friend, Cleveland, Oh
December 17th, 2025
I am very sorry and saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. He was bigger than life, always kind, always smiling and enjoyed life to the fullest. Although I had not seen him for several years, I felt close nonetheless given our shared family history and upbringing. I remember the house in Skokie’s Timber Ridge with great fondness. I will cherish those memories, as well as the memories of Uncle Ben and Aunt Bernice, and the time I was able to spend with Roger growing up. My deepest condolences to Dawn, his wonderful children and his grandchildren. May his memory be a blessing.
~Rick Samson
~First Cousin, Glen Ellyn, IL
December 16th, 2025
I was stunned to learn of Roger’s recent passing. He was the type of person who possessed a larger than life personality and big heart. The world is a better place because Roger had a front row seat and checked in with those who he knew and cared about. We attended and graduated from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa together during the mid-1970s. He’s one “Bulldog” I will remember with great fondness and tons of respect. May Roger’s good name be inscribed in the Book of Life.
~Norwin Merens
~College Friend, Glenview, Illinois
December 15th, 2025
I have had the pleasure of meeting the Samson family through caring for Roger. He made me feel valued and appreciated and cared as much for me in return . He is indeed a light and will be missed incredibly.
~Albert Davidson
~Caregiver, Palatine, Illinois
December 15th, 2025
A beautiful man, kind and highly respected. May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family at this sad and difficult time.
~Lynne Gomberg
~Friend, Buffalo Grove, illinois
December 15th, 2025
What a wonderful Man/Employer/Friend gone too soon!! Always helping and concerned about everyone else. Irreplaceable, will miss you Roger!
~Jennie Acosta
~Employee/Friend, Norridge, Il.
December 14th, 2025
Dawn and Zach. We were so sorry to learn of Rodger’s passing. We have such great memories of Zach and our Josh at GDA. We had a lot of laughs over post game dinners. Our thoughts are with you and your family. May his memory be a blessing.
~Alan Weiner and Debbie Weiner
~Hockey teammate of Zach, Rockville, MD
December 14th, 2025
For almost 2 years, I had the privilege of helping to care for Roger. Even on his tough days, he greeted me with the biggest smile – one that warmed the room. During our time together, we formed a genuine friendship filled with meaningful conversations and moments I will always treasure. A wonderful man with a beautiful soul. Roger will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Dawn and the Samson family. Debbie LaBuda
~Debbie LaBuda
~Friend, Round Lake Beach
December 14th, 2025
I’m very sad to learn of Roger’s passing. He was just one of those people that you know is in the “best people club”. He never liked to work via email and always wanted a call and was excited to chat . You could feel his smile through the phone. He was kind, smart and his happiness was contagious. He would circle the bases on his and Dawn’s insurance but also review if any of the kids were going to need help this year too.
My husband is also a Roger and my in-laws are Roger and Dawn so every year during our insurance chats we would share a few Roger that jokes and the irony that my in-laws are also Roger and Dawn.
Dawn and Ashley, you ladies are in my thoughts. Such a terrible loss. This just sucks. Roger will always be in the best people club and his infectious happiness and smile will continue in all of us.
Sending super big hugs.
~Alexandra Eidenberg
~Insurance agent, Skokie, IL
December 13th, 2025
Roger was the best person/boss ever!! Always wanting to help or just lend a kind word!! Just a fun loving man who I will never forget!!
~Jennie Acosta
~Friend/Employee, Norridge,IIl
December 12th, 2025
Dear Dawn, Ashley, Amanda, Ben, Zachary and Jake
I really have no words, but I’m gonna try my best to tell you how much all of you guys meant to me and my late husband Steve
Steve and Roger were very very close from a very young age starting on sleeping bear in timber Ridge we used to go to the Black Hawk games together in the 80s. Roger signed our marriage license when we got married and Steve stood up at Roger and Dawns wedding. Big big loss Steven & Roger I’m sure you are at the race track together.
RIP
I will miss you always
~Wendi Glickstein
~Friends, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
December 12th, 2025
Amanda and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Roger. May happy memories sustain you in your grief.
~Mary Finnegan
~, Park Ridge
December 12th, 2025
So sorry for your loss Samson family.
~Scott Sciortino
December 12th, 2025
Jay and I will always remember Roger’s kindness, humor, bigger than life personality and welcoming spirit. We especially remember very early on, going to Home Run Inn with him and Dawn, after which I went into labor with our first child – 1980!!!
May his memory be a blessing.
~Barbara Statland
~Friend, Wilmette, Illinois
December 11th, 2025
Roger supported me through a tough time in my life and pushed me to get the help I needed at that time.
For that I will always be grateful.
He would hire me to do work around his house and I would get to watch him with his kids and have the opportunity to see the great father he was as well as the great employer.
Always a smile on his face that would warm your heart. I left his company in 2003 and kept in touch on holidays until this current day.
Bless you Roger you were a wonderful man!
~Dave Fischer
~24 year employee and friend, Downers Grove
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