Dana Jon Samuelson

Dana Jon Samuelson peacefully made his way to his Lord and Savior on November 3, 2025, in Oak Ridge, TN.

Dana was born in Salem, Massachusetts on Sept. 19, 1947. Born into the military family of Norman and Ruth (Fuller) Samuelson, Dana was able to spend his younger years in foreign lands such as Japan and Germany, as well as stateside in Louisiana. Some of his first friends were his three sisters: Roberta “Bobbi,” Norma Jean “Sam,” and Leona “Tink.”

Dana made lifelong friendships wherever his adventures took him. His heart was for the military, but after an accident, a medical discharge ended that path. A natural salesman, he spent many years on the road in sales, building relationships near and far. It was often said of Dana that he never met a stranger. He was a natural conversationalist and put people at ease with his baby blue eyes and his handsome smile.

Dana was a lifelong learner. He loved to play guitar for his family, and sing-alongs were a regular pastime. He enjoyed reading and learning about war history, especially the Civil War. He enjoyed golf, though, according to Dana, he never really got any good at it.

After retirement, Dana and Rosemary, his bride of 37 years, set out to continue their life of adventure in their RV, seeing an abundance of historical sites and natural beauty throughout the country. After a health setback, Dana and Rosemary parked the RV one last time in Rocky Top, Tennessee, making Tennessee their home for his final 10 years.

After a courageous 26-year battle with a variety of cancers along with other health issues, Dana bravely gave up his fight and spent his remaining days surrounded by his loving family. When asked how he was doing, Dana would always say “I can’t complain; wouldn’t do a bit of good anyway.”

Dana is survived by his wife, Rosemary (Nolt) Samuelson. Dana was a loving father to and survived by his children Jason Samuelson, Rebecca Hinman (Tim), and Sarah Samuelson. He was a proud grandpa to Zachary Sutton, Jonathan Loe, Christian Putnam and Asher, Rayna, Micah and Lillian Hinman, and a great-grandfather to Oliver. He is also survived by his sister Roberta (Charlie) Cocuzza, and several nieces and nephews.

Dana was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Ruth Samuelson along with sisters Norma Jean (Tom) Henry and Leona (Greg) Simon. Per Dana’s wishes, no services are planned.

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