Edward M. Sampson, 80, of 34 Chestnut Hill Rd., passed away peacefully after an extended illness. His wife of 51 years, Nancy J. (Gruber) died in December 2003.

He leaves his four children, Stephen J. Sampson of Boston, Judy A. Sampson of North Oxford, Lisa J, wife of Kevin Ratcliffe of Holden, and David B. Sampson and his wife Kathleen of Sutton. He also leaves his five grandchildren, Katie, Elizabeth, Brian, Eric, and Matthew; and his brother, Thomas Sampson of Townsend. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Cushman and his brother, William Sampson.

He was born in Worcester, son of the late Myron and Janet (Schouler) Sampson. He graduated from the South High School in 1945. He served in the US Army Air Corps in World War II.

Mr. Sampson retired from Wyman-Gordon of Grafton in 1986 as a heat treat foreman. He was active in several community organizations. He was a past president of the Oxford Little League, played in the Oxford Pitch League, the Jack Barry Softball League, was a member of the Greendale Retired Men's Club, and was an avid golfer and Boston sports fan.

He was an active member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Auburn, serving on many committees and singing with the Men of Bethel and the Bethel Choir.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, December 22nd from 6-8 p.m in Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central St., Auburn. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 23rd at 9:30 AM in the Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Ave., Auburn. Following cremation, burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Endowment Fund of Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Ave., Auburn, MA 01501 or to the VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.