Robert H. “Bob” Sampson, 69, passed away at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts, on November 30, 2025, with his family by his side, after a brief but hard-fought battle with lung cancer.
He leaves behind two sons: Robert Sampson and his wife, Jeana Pondelli, of Wakefield; and Michael Sampson and his wife, Tricia, of Medway. He is also survived by his brother Charles “Chuck” Sampson of Dover, NH; and his best friend and former wife, Marjorie Sampson, of Randolph. Bob was a proud and loving “Papa” to his three grandkids—Callum, Conrad and Alayna—who always brought him an enormous amount of happiness. He also leaves behind a large extended family of relatives—too many to name—many of whom loved him like a brother.
He was the beloved son of the late Harvey and Joan Sampson and was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Judy Sampson, and parents-in-law, Francis and Marjorie Keenan.
Born on August 16, 1956, in Medford, Massachusetts, Bob grew up near the Medford Hillside area and went on to graduate from Medford Vocational Technical High School in 1975.
Growing up, Bob spent summers in Manomet, where he made some of his happiest childhood memories. During his teenage years, he enjoyed spending his free time at the Dame schoolyard with a close-knit group of friends, shooting pool in his basement with the boys, or traveling to local venues to watch his good friend Louie and his band play.
Bob was a dedicated and hardworking man who took pride in every job he did. After graduating high school, Bob began his career at Colonial Engineering Co. and later joined Johnson Heater Corporation as a drafting engineer in 1981. In 1997, following the company’s relocation to St. Louis, Bob returned home to be closer to his family. He then pursued a new career as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service, where he built lasting friendships with both his coworkers and customers.
Bob was a man with many interests, particularly in his younger years. A long-time member of Norwood Elks Lodge 1124, Bob was a regular member in the lodge’s horseshoe and bocce leagues. He especially enjoyed his time in Norwood bowling leagues—making him, as he loved to joke, a true “tri-athlete.”
Most of all, Bob was an avid fisherman. Whether it was freshwater fishing at the ponds around Plymouth, out deep-sea fishing with his sons, joining friends for overnight surfcasting trips, or taking trout fishing trips with Chuck and Judy in the mountains of Washington, he was happiest with a line in the water, a Bud in his hand, and the people he loved around him. He loved scuba diving as well, often heading out of Hull and returning home with lobsters, crab and flounder—and to his son, Rob, who was always there to help him clean his gear in the backyard after every trip, whether Bob liked it or not.
Bob treasured time with family. He enjoyed camping trips to Maine, day trips on the boat, and bike rides along the Cape Cod Canal. He shared countless fun weekend adventures with Michael, such as rollerblading together, shooting pool, or just heading out to the movies—simple activities they both cherished.
In later years, Bob enjoyed his familiar comforts: visiting the track, taking trips to the casino, and watching the Patriots and Bruins.
Bob loved to laugh, tell a good story, and make friends everywhere he went. He truly enjoyed life and will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, no services will be held. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Hospice Foundation of America.