Samuel W. Divine, 78, a resident of Amsterdam, N.Y., died on Saturday, April21, 2012, at Albany Medical Center.
Born in Kingston, he was the son of the late Samuel and Roberta Divine of Kerhonkson. On May 25, 1958, he married the former Edith (Chickie) Emery at Nativity of Our Lord Church in Poughkeepsie. Mrs. Divine survives at home.
Sam was educated in Kerhonkson schools and received an associate's degree from Delhi College. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1955 as a drill instructor at Parris Island, S.C. and was a member of the USMC Reserves from 1955-1961 and received a National Service Defense Medal. All who knew him remember his perfect posture and his confident demeanor befitting a good D.I. Following his military service, he began his professional career with New York Telephone Company, beginning as a lineman, and ending 30 years later in 1984 as a construction supervisor with what had become NYNEX and finallyVerizon. While living in Poughkeepsie, Sam was an active member of the Arlington Fire Department in Red Oaks Mill for a number of years. After moving with Chickie and their sons to Haines Falls, he joined the Haines Falls Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and commissioner. During that time he also served on the Hunter-Tannersville Central School Board as a member and vice president. He was a member of Lions Club International as well as the Telephone Company Pioneers of America. Sam was a willing volunteer and was always ready to lend a hand to a friend or stranger in need. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, and motorsports and especially loved attending NASCAR races.
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Mr. Divine
In addition to his loving wife of nearly 54 years, he is survived by his sons, David of Sacramento, Calif. and Charles of Voorheesville, N.Y.; a sister, Dawn (George) Kocsis of Skaneateles, N.Y.; nephew, Karl Kocsis; niece, Kristi Link; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Jeanie Emery of California; Pat and Jerry Sheehan of Hyde Park; Betty Emery of North Carolina; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Beth Ann Divine; his parents-in-law, Joseph and Edith Emery; a brother-in-law, Joseph Emery Jr.; and several aunts and uncles.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place.
Memorial calling hours will be on Friday, April 27, 2012, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sweet's Funeral Home, Route 9, Hyde Park. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at St. Mary's Church, 231 Church St., Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Msgr. John Brinn will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Route 9, Poughkeepsie, with military honors.
A memorial gathering will be held in the near future in Amsterdam for those who cannot attend services in Dutchess County.
Memorial donations to: The Montgomery County SPCA, 1007 Route 5-S, Amsterdam, NY 12010.
To send a condolence or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.