Samuel Hendrickson

Samuel C. Hendrickson, 79, of Southington, husband of Irene (Vance) Hendrickson, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 12, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Samuel was born on April 11, 1943 in Manchester, CT and was the son of the late Clinton and Kathryn (Tufts) Hendrickson. Samuel was one of the first male nurses in Connecticut graduating from the 1964 inaugural class of the New Britain General Hospital Nursing School. It was here where he met his lovely wife of 57 years, Irene, and they have been together ever since. During the Vietnam War, Samuel joined the Air Force as a nurse and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. After graduating college with his B.A., he held numerous positions within the State of CT, DMR Dept. retiring as an inspector. Samuel was a kind and very generous human being, giving of himself not only to others in need but to also his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a very active member of the First Congregational Church of Southington, where he was a member of the Stephen Ministry. If you looked in the dictionary and searched the word “outdoors”, you would find Samuel’s picture. He was truly an avid outdoorsman. He loved to camp and hike with his family, spend time in his garden, look at birds, photography, spending time on the Cape and most of all, he loved to read! Samuel was the first male Girls Scout troop leader in Connecticut. He mentored children in both the Boys and Girls Scout Troops. He was a true friend and gentleman who would always be there when you needed him. And then there was his humor, it was sarcastic in a way, but if you knew him, you’d know it was just him being funny. Family to Samuel, was number one in his life. He was their beacon and a bright shining light for them, a light that now shines in Heaven. Besides his wife Irene, he is survived by his two daughters, Suzanne DePaolo and Irene Janelle both of Southington. He was “Papa” to Clinton DePaolo and his wife Anouk of Sandy Hook, Alicia Janelle and her fiancé Jamie Munger of Southington, Anthony DePaolo and his wife Kelly of Southington and Christopher DePaolo and his girlfriend Lisa Cianciolo also of Southington. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Nathan DePaolo and Bastien DePaolo. He also is survived by his brother, Steven Hendrickson and his wife Nancy of Naples, FL. Samuel was predeceased by his sister, Sara Hendrickson. Service for Samuel will be announced at a later date. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Helping Hands of Deep River Inc., 126 Book Hill Road, Deep River, CT 06417, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Waterbury, 193 Grand St 3rd floor, Waterbury, CT 06702 or to the Connecticut Audubon Society 2325 Burr St, Fairfield, CT 06824.