Edward Thomas Samuel, Sr., 73 years old of Duquesne, PA, also better known as Cootsie, Sam, or Mr. Hooks was born on May 11, 1948 at his family home at 431 South Second Street, Duquesne, PA son of the late Carrie Julia (Lowery) Samuel and Frank Samuel.

He graduated from Duquesne High School in 1966. He attended the Educational Institute of Pittsburgh and received an associate’s degree in Design and Engineering in Drafting. Following graduation, he was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 as an infantryman. His unit was Company B, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry, 198th Light Infantry Brigade. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Other medals achieved were: National Defense Service Medals, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Rifle & Machine Gun Marksman. Upon returning from the Vietnam War, he worked at Westinghouse Electric Company as a welder, then worked at Cleveland Brothers (formerly known as Beckwith Machinery Company).

Edward was also an active member of Elizabeth NeSmith A.M.E. Church (formerly known as Sims Chapel) of West Mifflin, PA. He served as a pastor’s steward, trustee, usher, choir member, maintenance man, remodeled the basement of the church, and wore a host of hats. He was awarded the Unsung Hero Award from the A.M.E. conference in June 2010 for devotion to the church.

He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and role model.

He quietly departed this life on February 2, 2022 at Magee Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Samuel, Sr., and mother, Carrie Julia (Lowery) Samuel.  

Edward is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia E. Briscoe of Monroeville, PA; son, Edward Thomas Samuel, Jr. of Plum, PA; daughter, Cherri Camille (Keith) Chitwood of Turtle Creek, PA; sister, Dolores (Robert) Bentley of McKeesport, PA; brothers, Frank (Sandra) Samuel, Jr. of Braddock, PA and Christopher Lowery (Pee Gee) Samuel of McKeesport, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.