Thomas David Samsel Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Thomas David Samsel Executive Chef & Pastry Chef Thomas “Tommy” David Samsel went home to the loving arms of Jesus on July 18, 2018, after an 8 year courageous and hard fought battle with Renal Cell Carcinoma. Tommy was born on September 9, 1965 in Toledo, Ohio to David P. and Barbara A. (Priebe) Samsel. He attended St. Catherine’s and Longfellow Elementary, Central Catholic High School and graduated from DeVilbiss High School. Tommy started working for his cousin at Churchill’s Supermarket in the Meat Dept. working at the Monroe St store. He eventually transferred to the Bakery Dept. working at both the Alexis Rd and Monroe St stores, where he discovered his love of baking. He decided to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts at Monroe Community College. He performed his internship under the direction of Chef Bruce at Chef Bruce Catering. He worked as a Sous Chef alongside many area Chefs. Under the direction of Chef Tony Arvanitis at the Oaken Bucket, he perfected his meat preparation skills. He followed Chef Tony to Valleywood Golf Club. HE went on to work for over 10 years alongside Chef Ed, at Highland Meadows Golf Course. He was loved by all the members & guests. He took great pride each year in preparing food for Jamie Farr and the lady golfers. In August 1999, he started his job at Panera Bread working for Kevin Lent, which sent him to St. Louis, MO, to train to be a Bakery Training Specialist. He returned to Toledo in November 1999 with the opening of the first three stores. He became the Head of Bakery Operations of a total of 28 stores in Ohio & Michigan over the next 11 years, until his cancer diagnosis on September 9, 2010. Tommy took great pride in his culinary creations. Tommy’s Catholic faith was very important to him throughout his life, especially helping him in his fight with cancer. He had a devotion to Jesus & the Blessed Mother, Mary. He prayed the rosary daily. He ended each phone call with “God Bless You.” He was an honorary 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus. Tommy is preceded in death by his parents David & Barbara, grandparents Clarence & Mildred (Churchill) Priebe, Francis & Sophia (Lukaszek) Samsel, Uncles Jack King, Richard Priebe & Roman Bonfiglio. Surviving are his siblings Darlene Marie Samsel, Laura (Chris) Solly, and Kevin Samsel. Very special nephew & nieces, whom he loved & cherished with all his heart, Christopher II, Ashley (Goddaughter) and Kaitlyn Solly. Aunts & Uncles Mary Priebe, Marilyn King, Kathy Bonfiglio, Sister Mary Irenaeus, Patricia, Ronald, Steve (Joann), and Michael (Debbie) Samsel, and many special cousins. A special thank you to his awesome neighbors, the Wlodarski family, for taking care of his yard after he got sick. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Monday, July 30, 2018 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, where friends are invited to visit at 10:00am. Visitation will be held from 12:00pm to 8:00pm Sunday, at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania Ave., with the recitation of the rosary at 7:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Condolences for Tommy’s family may be expressed online at www.ansberg-west.com

Thomas David Samsel

September 9, 1965 - July 18, 2018