Samuel Haidemenos

Springfield – Samuel Spiros Haidemenos, 96, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2021, Veterans Day. Sam was born on July 20, 1925, in Springfield MA to the late George and Demetroula (Akamatis) Haidemenos. His parents, both born in Greece, immigrated to the US in the early 20th century.

Sam bravely entered the US Navy in 1943 when he was only eighteen. He served in the Pacific during WWII on the Navy ship USS CEBU (ARG—6) and earned four medals. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as Seaman First Class and later joined the Army from which he was honorably discharged in 1948.

He worked in Springfield for over three decades as a machinist for Moore Drop Forging Company (later known as EASCO Hand Tools, Inc. and then Danaher Corporation) that supplied mechanics’ tools for the Sears Craftsman brand. He was an enthusiastic member of the Widows and Widowers Club in Chicopee whose members met every Saturday night to dance. He also attended at least a dozen reunions with his good friends from the crew of his Navy ship.

The family sends special thanks to his neighbor and friend Kevin O’Donnell and to the good people of Overlook VNA and Hospice, Alma Care Services and Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing for Sam’s care.

In addition to his parents, Sam was predeceased by his five brothers and two sisters and by his companion and fellow dancer of the Widows and Widowers Club, Terry Gossman.

His extended family, good friends and neighbors will miss his honest humor, generosity and willingness to share his opinions.

A private burial with Military Honors will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA. Forastiere Funeral & Cremation have been entrusted to these arrangements.