John Samuels Sr., son of the late Silas and Blanche Samuels, was born in Baltimore, MD on January 25, 1933. He was one of 14 children born to this couple with 12 who preceded him in death. John was educated in the Baltimore Public School system. He met and married Constance Portee in 1953. Four children were born from this union. He also joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953 where he became a military police sergeant during the Korean Conflict. He received an Honorable Discharge and the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United States Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. His love of caring for others prompted him to pursue training at the American Red Cross gaining several certificates in CPR & First Aid. He quickly became an instructor for the Red Cross teaching a multitude of young men and women all that he learned. As a result, John was inducted into the American Red Cross Hall of Fame. John's greatest love was swimming. He spent every summer at the swimming pools around the Baltimore area. John became a Lifeguard as a young man. He quickly became a Water Safety Instructor. This title allowed him to instruct many of his family and other young people in becoming lifeguards as well. His methods of teaching was often grueling, having to spend long hours in the water being tested constantly. However, this method produced the best Lifeguards for the Baltimore City Pools to ever be trained; a legacy for which he was proud. He also enjoyed the thrill of riding his Honda motorcycle with the Baltimore Banderlero's & Shifter's Clubs while sporting the name "The Creamer". Wanting to be a part of his children's interest, John Sr. encouraged his son John Jr., a drummer, to start a Band with other teenaged musicians in the neighborhood. He became Manager of their successful group called "21st Century Band" later named "Chant Band" from 1972-1989. John was employed at Dresser Industries Harbison & Walker for many years and was the first black to be promoted to Foreman. After his retirement, he joined his sister Ida at the Ford's Express Furniture store to assist her. John really loved all of his very large family including all his nieces and nephews. He always wanted to spend time talking, joking and visiting with them. Although John Samuels experienced several medical issues and crises, he was a fighter and was determined to beat all that ailed him. He renewed his relationship with the Lord at Grace A.M.E. Church which gave him a new faith as a warrior. He gained the ultimate Victory in battle on February 23rd, 2013 when the Lord took John home to be with Him. He leaves to mourn: His wife, Constance Samuels; one sister, Ida Payne; four children, Yvette, John Jr., Rhonda Melvin, and Bryan Michele; eighteen grandchildren: Kevin Jr., Nikeya, Tifany, John III, Atom, Jerry, Matthew, Daniel, Joshua, Will, Gabrielle, Lex, Tammy, Daman, Jevon, Melvin Jr., Brandon & Mario; ten great-grandchildren: Andre, Keira, Kylie, Dorian, Lynne, Akeem, Khafre, McKenzie, Aysha, & Calvin. Adopted in love; Renee & India; niece and close friend: Janis Cookie. John also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, family and friends who he loved so much.