Alphonse Sampson

SOUTH PORTLAND — Alphonse D. “Bookie” Sampson, 77, died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, at the Gosnell Hospice House with his loving family by his side.

Alphonse was born in Nova Scotia, Canada on Oct. 25, 1936, the son of James A. and Veronica MacNeil Sampson. He attended local schools there.

Alphonse came to the United States in 1955 and became a U.S. citizen on Oct. 27, 1989. Upon his arrival to the states, he worked as a landscaper, doing construction and then drove truck for more than 20 years. Al worked the past 16 years as a driver for Nordx, a job that he loved. He was given the nickname of “Candyman” because he would always have candy in his pocket when he arrived for a pickup.

Al married Katherine L. Hubner in Portland on Oct. 25, 1986. Together, they were communicants of Holy Cross Church in South Portland. Al was a great supporter of the church and worked tirelessly in fundraising efforts.

Al will always be remembered as a very kind and loving person who would take time to stop and say hello whereever he met you. His greatest love, however, was the time he spent surrounded by his family and friends. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Al was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret Muise and Joann MacNeil, and a brother, Patrick Sampson.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Sampson of South Portland; daughters, Deanne Sampson of South Portland, Theresa Riley of Standish and Mary Cathryn Crowell of Gorham; sons, Daniel Sampson of Buxton, David Sampson of Hiram and James Robertson Jr. of South Berwick; one sister, Muriel Gillis of Florida; three brothers, Angus Sampson of Massachusetts, James Sampson of Massachusetts and Robert Sampson of Nova Scotia; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited on Friday, Sept. 12, 2014, at 9:15 a.m., at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com

Those who wish may make contributions in Alphonse’s memory to: American Heart Association, 51 US Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.