William J. Samelko

William J.  Samelko
February 22, 2026

William “Bill” Samelko, 83, of Pine Grove, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026. 
 

Born in Frackville, Pennsylvania on April 1,1942, he was the son of the late Adam and Minnie (Hummel) Samelko.  A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend; he lived a life filled with service, adventure, and an enduring love for the great outdoors.
 

Bill developed an early appreciation for nature, spending countless hours exploring forests, streams, and trails around the Frackville area.  He was most at home in the woods.  His passion for history, particularly the settling of America, led him to become an avid reader, always eager to share stories of the pioneers and frontiers people who shaped the nation and of local historical folklore.
 

Bill graduated from Frackville High School then enrolled in the Army in 1959 at seventeen years old.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of E9 Command Sergeant Major. His leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers defined his decades-long military career until his retirement in 2002. He carried this same sense of duty and integrity into every aspect of his life, earning the respect of all who knew him.
 

In retirement, Bill found joy in gardening and immersing himself in historical literature. He also devoted himself to caring for his wife of 38 years, BeAnne, before her passing in 2010, exemplifying his deep love and steadfast commitment to family. Whether sharing tales at the dinner table, guiding his grandson on his first fishing adventure, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the wilderness, he left behind a legacy of curiosity, resilience, and love for the land.
 

Bill was greeted in Heaven by his wife Beatrice (BeAnne) Wychulis-Samelko.
 

He is survived by his daughter Erin Samelko Aungst, wife of Andrew, and grandson Aidan, Pine Grove.  Brothers Adam Samelko (Lititz, Pa) husband to Carol Samelko and James “Sam” Samelko (Ashland, Pa), nieces, nephews and many dear friends. 
 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation and viewing that will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.at the H. L. Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., Pine Grove, Pa where family and friends will gather to honor his memory. Bill will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Those wishing to attend the burial should meet for a procession at 11:30 A.M. at the Funeral Home.  
 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Schuylkill County Conservation District or the Schuylkill County Historical Society, reflecting his lifelong love for nature and history. 
 

Though he has left this world, Bill’s spirit will forever roam the landscapes he cherished, carried on in the stories he loved and the memories he created.  May his memory be a blessing.
 

You may send condolences online at www.hlsnyderfuneralhome.com

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