October 6, 1900 – June 7, 1965
Joseph Samra’s American story began in 1909, when he immigrated from Damascus, Syria, at the age of nine with his parents, Nicholas (48) and Mary Hallal Samra (40), and three of his siblings: Tony (23), Nora (later Waian, 16), and himself. Their four other children—Mike, Jameela (Tahmoush), Adele (Nadeem), and Elizabeth (Matook)—had already settled in Central Falls, Rhode Island, paving the way for the rest of the family.
The Samra Family, 1916
Back row (from left): Joseph Samra, Elizabeth (Samra) Matook, Thomas Samra, Adele (Samra) Nadeem, and Mike Samra.
Front row (from left): Nora (Samra) Waian, their father Nicholas Samra, their mother Mary Hallal Samra, and Jameela Samra Tahmoush.
Not yet fluent in English, Joseph completed up to the sixth grade by attending night school while working during the day. At age fourteen, he began his working life as a bobbin boy in a textile mill. The entire Samra family soon moved into a three-decker home on Park Street in Pawtucket’s Pleasant View neighborhood. From his teenage years through his twenties, Joseph worked tirelessly, holding numerous jobs and trying his hand at several small businesses with entrepreneurial energy.
At age 29, Joseph returned to Damascus with his brother Mike (then 45) in hopes of finding a wife. Mike met and married Mary Roumieh. Joseph, after several months of searching, met a fifteen-year-old young woman named Mary Amir—and it was love at first sight. They were married in a double ceremony with Mike and Mary Roumieh. For Mary Amir, marrying Joseph fulfilled her dream of coming to America and building a life with a kind, gentle, hard-working, and fun-loving man she came to adore.
Joseph and Mary Samra during their engagement in 1929—a love that began in Damascus and blossomed in Pawtucket.
Joseph and Mary built a life together in Pawtucket, where they raised five children:
- Elaine, their eldest, married Fred Hashway and had three sons: Fred, Mark, and Kevin. She later married Russell Wilbur.
- Lorice married Edward Hallal and had two children: Robin and Edward Jr.
- Nora, their third daughter, died tragically at the age of two.
- Joseph Jr. married Marlene Gorab and had two children: Marlene and Joseph III.
- Barbara, their youngest daughter, remained closely connected to her parents and extended family.
Joseph was remembered for his strong work ethic, joyful spirit, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and the values he passed down—of faith, perseverance, and devotion to family.