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Howard J. Sampson, Jr., 77, of Westbrook passed away on Aug. 5 after a long illness. He was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, and moved with his family to Deep River in 1945.

After graduating from Valley Regional High School, he married Sara Jane Ryon of Chester. When their first son was born in 1960, they moved to Cape Cod, where Mr. Sampson worked as a carpenter and contractor. In 1964, the family of now five moved back to Deep River, where he built the family home and owned his own carpentry and contracting business. He was a member of the Deep River Fire Department, the Ambulance Association, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. He later entered the antiques business with his wife. He was an avid, self-taught musician who played Bluegrass fiddle, mandolin, and bass, all by ear. For the last ten years, he and his wife were residents of Westbrook and Ruskin, Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Deep River Congregational Church on Saturday, Aug. 26 at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook. To share a memory of Howard or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.