Angelito "Gel" Samson

United Methodist Elder, Reverend Angelito “Gel” Samson, 75, went peacefully with our Lord at home, surrounded by family and friends, in Virginia Beach, VA on Sept 8, 2021. Son of Vicente Samson, a farmer, and Miguela Gueco, a homemaker, he was the eldest of 3, born on January 9, 1946 in Concepcion, Tarlac, Philippines. With his father passing away at a young age, Angelito was raised by his mom in his Uncle Antonio’s home, alongside his siblings and cousins, in a faith centered household. With a childhood filled with fond memories of singing hymns and nightly devotionals, his Uncle, Pastor Antonio Gueco became a strong father figure in his life. During his youth, wherever his Uncle was appointed as pastor, Gel gladly followed to witness his Uncle’s service to the church. His elementary years were spent in Capas, Tarlac, while his high school years were spent at Lubao Institute in Lubao, Pampanga, where he graduated with honors. He worked hard to support himself through college to earn his Bachelor’s degree. He attended Union Theological Seminary where he met Emma while she was studying at Philippine Christian University. They wed in Cavite, Philippines in 1976. Pastor Samson earned his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and studied at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky for his postmasteral work, also receiving his Certification in Marriage & Family Therapy from Menninger. Gaining a reputation as a servant leader, he had a gift for building relationships, uniting people, encouraging teamwork, and empowering his community to recognize and share their best gifts and talents. These passions were also shown by his ecumenical and interfaith engagements. Pastor Gel was appointed to various churches, large and small. These became among the most active, growing with members, leading faithful worship, teaching the congregation, and delivering community outreach. Eventually, Pastor Gel was appointed to the Kansas United Methodist Conference in the USA, becoming the second Filipino pastor in the state. His work also led him to the Virginia United Methodist Conference where he was challenged to become the first Filipino pastor of a 2-point charge for Resurrection UMC and Princess Anne Plaza UMC. Pastoring both churches simultaneously, his time was limited yet his strong faith and passion to help others kept him energized. During his tenure, these churches experienced remarkable growth in membership and though he was largely responsible, he credited his congregation for their outstanding outreach and their ability to work together. He was pivotal in establishing and maintaining a strong financial acumen at both churches. At this time in his career he poured his energy into creating a permanent home, as he surrounded himself with friends that became family. Witnessing his children marry then proudly watching his grandchildren grow. Pastor Samson served the United Methodist Church faithfully for 47+ years. Having various appointments in the Philippines, Kansas, & Virginia; he was also a noted professor at Union Theological Seminary and Harris Memorial College. He loved the various perspectives of theology and would excitedly sit for hours with seminary students to discuss ideas. He also had a deep interest in interfaith dialogue as a positive way of building community and promoting diversity and understanding. Throughout his life, Pastor Gel remained a strong advocate for social justice. He supported and marched for issues including political freedom, women’s rights, climate sustainability, and LGBT inclusion. Much of his sermons also took from his cultural experiences, as he championed that differences were bridges to connecting with others. His outreach work prioritized those who were less fortunate. Inspiring so many, he was known for his welcoming spirit. He treated all with the respect, dignity, compassion, and kindness that characterized his life regardless of background and beliefs. Pastor Gel was respected for leading a life of humility, not by words but by how he lived his life. Having an avid enthusiasm for mission service, he supported mission work through his labors, prayers, and resources. During their itineration, he often hosted missionaries and invited them to speak at his churches. Also participating on many teams, he served in Brazil, taught in the Philippines, assisted healthcare teams for migrant workers on the Eastern Shore, and led several vacation bible schools and extended pastoral care. He helped organize a community Peace Festival, encouraging several interfaith groups to connect and cooperate, including Islam, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu, Shinto and Christian, in order to support and raise money for an orphanage in East Africa. Pastor Gel was a delegate to the United Methodist Church General Conference. He served in Virginia UMC’s General Global Ministry, Board of Ordained Ministry, and General Board on Church and Society. He was involved in the Tidewater interfaith group, and PAGLAGO - an endeavor to revitalize existing Fil-AM UM churches, and National Association of Filipino Methodists (NAFAUM) in the US. Though intimately involved in the lives of thousands, leaving a legacy of inspired, educated, and honored friends, students and parishioners, Pastor Gel’s greatest love was always his family, his wife, children, and grandchildren. He spent much of his retirement years proudly and eagerly caring for his grandchildren, tending to his garden, and writing inspirational reflections. He began each day communing with God while tending his garden. His garden teeming with beautiful butterflies and colorful birds was a reflection of his devotion and response to his Creator God. Babysitting his grandchildren daily, he took pride in preparing foods, singing songs, reading stories, playing games, picking them up from school, and teaching them the ways of the Lord. He was a voracious reader and writer, who enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling. He loved the University of Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs Football Team and proudly cheered them on when they won the Superbowl. He taught himself to play the ukulele, formed a group, and was thrilled to perform at churches, senior living communities and children’s birthday parties. He loved trying different coffees from different parts of the world, and soy lattes from Starbucks. Reverend Samson’s legacy lives on through his wife of 45 yrs, Emma, his daughter Pristine (Sophie), his son Domini (Bernadette), granddaughters (Bianca and Brianna), his daughter Bea (Brian), grandchildren (Zion, Czab, and Czef), his mother-in-law Mely, younger brother Rico, and a loving extended family and community. His legacy will continue through the many lives he has influenced. The Samson family wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who have reached out during this difficult time. Visitation and Prayer Services: Friday, September 17, and Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 6pm-8pm. Holloman Brown Princess Anne Chapel, 3445 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Celebration of Life Funeral Service: Sunday, Sept 19, 2021 starting at 2pm. Courthouse Community UMC, 2708 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed via Courthouse Community UMC’s facebook page.