GREENE — Real Andrea Samson of 602 Route 202, Greene, passed on July 18, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, where he lived in his home with his daughter, Rosemerie since 2005.

He was born on Sept. 25, 1921, in St. Julie, Quebec, son of Wilfred and Mary Samson. Real then moved to the Lewiston area with his parents and siblings at the age of five, where he attended Lewiston schools, until he went to work at the Continental Mills at the age of 16.

Real then was drafted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18, in August 1942, stationed at Fort Devins, Mass., with the 92nd Ordinance Medium Maintenance Company 1st Army. Landing at Normandy Beach, he fought across France, Belgium and the Netherlands and into Berlin.

He was also a lifetime member of VFW Post 1603. At the age of 12, Real met his grammar school sweetheart, Dotita DeCormier, who was to become his lifelong soul mate. He married while on leave Nov. 26, 1942, in Dundock, Md. The start of a family was postponed while Real served in World War II.

Immediately upon his return, they were able to start the life and family that they had dreamed of in so many letters during his overseas tour. He became a milk delivery route manager for Oakhurst Dairy, until the age of 52; he then went to work for the City of Auburn as a maintenance manager, until his retirement at the age of 62.

As their family grew, Real and Dorita were very involved in their children’s participation of baton twirling competitions, pageants as well as performing with the Lamontagne, Les Amies Choisies and the Edward Little High School Band.

As founders and owners of Samson’s School of Majorettes and the Golden Arrows Baton/Drum Corps, Real and Dorita were able to teach their children how to utilize their talent in the business world. Several years later, they founded Samson’s Silver Knights Drum and Majorette Corps.

During their golden years, Real enjoyed dancing with his wife of 66 years, before Our Lord took her home to live with him on Nov. 1, 2005, as dancing together was their passion in life. Now they shall dance once again when they meet at the gates of Heaven.

He is survived by two sons, Russell Samson and his wife, Jean, of Virginia, and Randy Samson and his wife, Rose, of New Hampshire; four daughters, Rosemerie Lamontagne and husband, Donald, of Greene, Ruby Levesque and husband, Michael, of Auburn, Realita Champagne of Florida, and Ramona Sleeper of Sebago; one sister, Marie Rose Cote of Lewiston; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; as well a several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by wife, Dorita E. Samson; two sisters, Andrienne Theriault and Laurette LeBlanc; and one brother, Roland.

Real (Dad) will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him and shared his life.

He will forever be in our hearts and prayers, as we remember and cherish every moment we have shared. A piece of you has left, but we rejoice in knowing you have reunited with our loving Mom and share eternal life together.

A special thanks to friends, family, Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice and dear friend, Ron Ouelette for all their support and generosity.

Messages of condolences may be sent to www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.