Fr. Emmanuel Samayoa, 1951-2024
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Fr. Emmanuel Gary Wayne Samayoa, 72, died peacefully at home February 3, 2024. He was born April 4, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the beloved son of Frank and Phyllis Samoya.
He completed a bachelor’s degree in Economics with an emphasis in philosophy/theology from Xavier University, a master’s degree in Theology from Fordham University and post graduate studies at the Pontificio Istituto Orientale, Rome, Italy. He attended St. Gregory Seminary and was ordained a Byzantine Catholic Priest in May 1990, continuing his unwavering devotion to God and Divine Mercy.
Fr. Emmanuel was the embodiment of Christ-like love and compassion and a beacon of hope and light in the lives of those fortunate enough to know and love him. He was very passionate and tenacious in all facets of life and was devoted without reserve to living the truth of Gospel Non-Violence. Like Mother Teresa, he was a pencil in the hand of a writing God, sending a love letter to the world.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Annamaria Silveri; his children, Gianmarco (Tashunna), Rita, Gabriel, Maria Faustina, Joseph and Vittorio, and his grandchildren Maizey, Enzo, Emmanuel and Anna; mother, Phyllis and siblings Michael, Jimmy, Richie, David, Mary, Steve, Sally and John. He is preceded in death by his beloved son Francesco; father, Frank and father and mother-in-law, Alfiero and Tecla Silveri, all of whom he loved more than anything in this world.
Visitation was held at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church (Woodward at 8 Mile), Detroit, Friday, February 9, 2024, from 5-9pm with Prayers at 7pm. The Funeral Service was also at St. John the Baptist, Saturday, February 10th, 11am. Burial services followed in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.