May 2013
John Samuelson, F19, passed away on February 7, 2013, in Bourne, Massachusetts, at the age of 95. He and his wife, Jean, who died in 2009, were among the 26 motor-coach-owning families who met in Hinckley, Maine, in July 1963 to view a solar eclipse. That gathering led to the formation of Family Motor Coach Association.
John was born May 23, 1917, and raised in Hull, Massachusetts. He learned to play trumpet at an early age and performed at area churches and schools. After graduating from Hingham High School, he attended Boston University College of Music, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1939 and his master of education in 1940. He also held a licentiate in music from Trinity College (London). During his college years, he served as director of the Boston Brass Choir, wrote arrangements for various instrumental and choral groups, and played first trumpet in the Boston University Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler.
During this time he met Jean, who also was studying music at Boston University. The two were married on June 27, 1942, and had three daughters. John joined the faculty at Hingham High School where he taught math and science, served as the driver’s education instructor, and was conductor of the school’s musical organizations.
While his vocations were music and education, John also enjoyed building and renovation jobs. “He was a hard worker and never hesitated to take on a new project,” Joanne, his youngest daughter, said. “I do remember how he would think things through first to see if there was going to be the outcome he intended. He was always ready to pitch in and help, whether it was physical labor or brainwork.”
In 1961, after a less-than-pleasant family tent-camping experience, John converted an old Flxible passenger bus into a motorhome for summer travel. While on the road, the Samuelsons encountered Bob and Jean Richter, who also had a Flxible bus conversion. That led to their inclusion on the guest list for the 1963 eclipse-viewing get-together in Hinckley where FMCA was formed.
As teachers, John and Jean had plenty of time during the summers to explore North America, often attending FMCA conventions or rallies. Once the motorhome was parked at a campsite, John set out to meet and greet other RVers camped around them. “Every time we pulled into a place to camp or at a rally, it wouldn’t take my dad very long to find someone to talk to,” Joanne said. “He was very friendly and he enjoyed meeting new people everywhere he went.”
After John retired, the couple spent winters living in Florida and traveled back to Hingham or Cape Cod each summer. As always, John would drive the motorhome with its “F19” FMCA goose egg securely attached, and Jean would follow in a car.
John was preceded in death by Jean. He is survived by daughters Janet (Donald) Kowalsky, Judy (Peter) Spinney, and Joanne (Robert) Chandler; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Donations in John’s memory can be made to the South Shore Conservatory, Development Office, One Conservatory Drive, Hingham, MA 02043.
A celebration of John’s life featuring organ music will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2013, 4:00 p.m., at the Second Parish Church in Hingham. Contact Janet Kowalsky at (706) 896-4612; jkowalsky@aol.com if you would like notice of the event.