Paul Frank Samborski

Paul Samborski Obituary

“The man is a success who has lived well, loved much, and laughed often.”

— Robert Louis Stevenson

Paul F. Samborski was born into a Polish family surrounded by his loving parents, Walter and Victoria Samborski, in Danielson, Connecticut on February 21, 1942. Paul died peacefully surrounded by clergy, his loving wife Mary Ann, and connected to his daughter Leah, in an assisted living facility in Rocklin, California on July 13th, 2023.

After graduating from University of Connecticut with a degree in Chemical Engineering and an active membership in Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, Paul married Mary Ann Yanus in 1965. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage and were proud parents and grandparents.

Paul and Mary Ann’s pride and joy was their daughter Leah and when Leah married Trevor Lang, Paul never considered Trevor a son-in-law, but a son. Leah and Trevor have two daughters, Maddie and Sarah, who were the light of Paul’s life.  Paul’s loving family also includes his sister Carol Grenon and niece Sara Loughlin married to Jonathan Kim; children Noah and Lauren. Carol married Lucien, Paul’s best friend and Leah’s Godfather. Other loving family members are Paul’s sister-in-law Lee Doyle married to Jack, and niece Jennifer Goto married to Tim; children Melia and Mason, and niece Shannon Gelbard married to Scott; children Hayden and Walker. Paul also leaves a brother-in-law Richard Yanus married to Melanie.

Paul and Mary Ann shared an active lifestyle. His career in tire sales took them first to Scotland for two years with Uniroyal, then to successive assignments with Dunlop and Goodyear in Dallas, Southern California, Michigan, and the last 30 years in Granite Bay, where he retired.  Their recreational life was full of friendly competition and fellowship through their shared love of golf, a sport which afforded them great friends and allowed them to belong to wonderful golf clubs.  They traveled together playing golf around the country and the world.

While living in Texas, Paul and Mary Ann spent many holidays with Ronnie and Karen LaFleur and their children. Paul and Ronnie were born a day apart in the same hospital and have been close friends ever since. The group grew when they met Dee and Jim Kohl and their children. They enjoyed great times together skeet shooting, playing Trivial Pursuit, and entertaining together.

When basketball season rolled around, Paul and Mary Ann always enjoyed watching their alma mater UCONN’s successful men’s and women’s teams. They also enjoyed playing cards and scrabble, and every day Paul would faithfully read the newspaper and do the crossword puzzle.

Paul and Mary Ann were generous hosts and made many happy memories at dinner parties which included Mary Ann’s wonderful cuisine, lively music and dancing, and Paul’s famous Cosmopolitans. In one such memorable moment, Leah’s best college friends were visiting them in Texas and Paul was making his famous margaritas.  Lisa had never had them, so she got the first glass.  She tried it and said, “Wow this is different.” Then Leah and Mary Ann tried.  Mary Ann said, “Paul these are awful-what did you put in them?” He had used Crème De Mint instead of triple sec.  They all had a good laugh.

In retirement, Paul and Mary Ann have spent most of their time on the golf course or traveling to Atlanta or Seattle or Plano to see their granddaughters.  They loved attending all the soccer and basketball games. Upon their return home, Paul would regale his friends with stories of his favorite activity during those visits - taking Maddie and Sarah to the movies.

Paul achieved noteworthy professional success and was devoted to his beloved game of golf.  Paul was proudest of his beautiful family and his wonderful circle of friends and was happiest in their company. Many memories will live on of the fun times: Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Miramar Beach, Florida; Paul and Rick playing golf at Clinton Country Club; Skiing with the Denver Doyle crew; Paul, Mary Ann, Carol and Lou playing the card game Set Back; Stan and Donna Pechalonis, who introduced Paul and Mary Ann in college and spent many Thanksgivings with Paul and MaryAnn over the years; Paul’s college roommate Bob and his wife Bea Mastracchio (Leah’s Godmother) who traveled with them to many golf destinations; and fun-filled family reunions which Paul loved so much.

Paul will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and compassionate friend with a quick-witted sense of humor. And in the minds of those who remember him lovingly, he will always sport that signature Paul Samborski smile.

Rest in peace, Paul. We’ll all meet again on the 19th hole.