On October 20, 2020, our community lost a loving husband, father, son, uncle, brother, and friend to so many.

Paul F. Samele, Jr., 57, of Torrington, CT, peacefully passed into the loving arms of the Lord, at his home surrounded by his family.  He was the beloved husband to Dena (Pascual) Samele for 17 years.  

Paulie was born August 17, 1963, in Torrington, CT, the son of Barbara (Kufchak) and Paul F. Samele, Sr. of Torrington.

A graduate of Torrington High School, Class of 1981.  An amazing high school athlete, he was co-captain of the basketball team, and outstanding baseball player at THS, and at Central Connecticut State University and was a member of the Torrington Country Club.  In addition to many life lessons, he taught his sons the love of baseball, basketball and golf.  He was also an avid fan of UCONN Basketball, NY Giants and the New York Yankees.  

Paul graduated from the prestigious Connecticut Judicial Marshal Academy in May 2019 and became a Judicial Marshal in the Waterbury Court System.  He was proud to serve the City of Torrington on the City Council for 10 years.

Paulie enjoyed spending many days at Highland Lake with his children, their friends and neighbors, cooking many meals, enjoying rides on the boat and on the jet ski. 

His love of cooking was only surpassed by his love for family.  He learned from the best and was a mentor to many.  In 1988, he opened P-Sams on Water Street in Torrington.  In 1994, Paul and his father opened Chatterley's restaurant in New Hartford which they ran successfully for 26 years.  Shortly after, Paulie opened Chatterley’s Banquet Facility.

In addition to his wife Dena, and parents Paul and Barbara Samele,  he is survived by two sons, Dominic and Anthony, a niece, who was like a daughter to him, Alexandra Pascual; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Pascual; two sisters, Lori Samele-Bates and her husband Bob and their children Matthew and Connor of West Hartford, CT, Kimberly Rouleau and her husband Tom and their children, Alexa and Patrick of New Hartford, CT, as well as his P-Sams and Chatterley families, and so very many dear friends.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2020, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT.  The Divine Liturgy of Resurrection and burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made the Paul Samele's Children Fund, c/o Litchfield Bancorp, P.O. Box 997, Litchfield, CT 06759

Condolences may be sent to the Samele family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com