Ludwig Samuel “Sam” Gahr, 105, of Bristol, widower of Frances (Bashaw) Gahr, entered his eternal rest on Wednesday, Dec. 20, at Countryside Manor of Bristol. Sam was born on May 13, 1918, in Bristol, son of the late Ludwig and Emilie (Zabel) Gahr. This obituary will fall short of capturing the true greatness of this amazing man.
He was a lifelong resident of Bristol and was a man of strong faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he was a very devout Christian. He attended the Bristol school system and later enlisted in the US Army Air Corp 599th Bombardment squadron, to fight for our country.
A WWII veteran, the Staff Sergeant was a top turret gunner aboard a B-26 bomber. During the time of battle, his plane had gotten shot down during combat and he survived the wreckage. Sam held this story very dear to his heart and would tell it of his combat missions. We thank him for giving of himself for his bravery and courage to fight for our country and our freedom.
After his discharge, he had worked for Ingraham’s for many years then found employment at Superior Electric for 23 years until his retirement in 1983. Following his retirement, he took a part-time job at Bristol Savings Bank for the next 10 years.
Sam was predeceased by his loving wife Frances of over 60 years, his brother Henry and his sister Esther. He also leaves his niece in Florida.
Sam was an avid golf enthusiast; and enjoyed watching his golf tournaments on TV in his later years. He also had a passion for sailing and traveling with his wife, to many European countries, Bermuda and Florida.
After his wife’s passing Sam became the utmost joy to his two very dear friends who took care of him, both Francine and Cheri, whom he loved so dearly and considered them his “two girls”. They provided him with many years of love, companionship and support. It is with very heavy hearts that we have lost our cherished friend of many.
Anyone who ever met Sam, couldn’t help but to fall in love with his witty personality, and gentle nature. He will always be remembered for his legacy of having such a compassionate and loving heart. He will be so deeply missed by the many people who loved him so dearly, his caregivers and all the people he met along the way.
His spirit will always live in our hearts forever, reminding us to cherish every moment, just as he did throughout his remarkable 105 years. We will forever treasure all our memories and moments spent with this amazing man. May he now rest in eternal peace.
We would like to extend a sincere Thank you to the staff who loved him dearly and truly cared during his stay at Countryside Manor of Bristol and to the Athena Hospice Care team.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 23, at Funk Funeral home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, between 10 and 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 154 Meadow St. Bristol.
Burial with military honors, will follow in West Cemetery, Bristol. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 154 Meadow St. Bristol 06010 or to the WWII Legacy Foundation Inc. c/o Gary Roy, 61 Matthew Rd., East Hartford, CT 06108.
Please visit Sam’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
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