Sam H. Hokkanen

HOLDEN - Sam Henry Hokkanen, 87, beloved husband of Debra A. (Edstrom) Hokkanen, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at the Holden Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center.

Always proud of his Finnish heritage, he was the son of the late Toivo Sam Hokkanen and Aili Elizabeth (Nummelin) Hokkanen. Born in Brookline, MA, he moved with his family to Worcester in 1942. Sam attended Worcester Public Schools and graduated from Commerce High School, Class of 1955. He went on to further his education at Brown University where he earned a bachelor's degree. Sam and Debra were married on June 2, 1962. He was a proud member of the Naval Reserve Surface Division 131, Worcester for eight years.

While attending school, at the young age of 14, Sam's banking career started at Peoples Savings Bank where he worked as an office boy and messenger. In 1992, upon the sale of Peoples Savings Bank, Sam attained the title of Executive VP. 1995 saw Sam move on to Athol Savings Bank to the position of Chief Executive Officer and President.

Sam was an active member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and Worcester Business Development Corporation and was Past President of Worcester County Builder's Association. Other memberships include Worcester Country Club and the Worcester Club. He was a member of the Morning Star Lodge of Masons, the Massachusetts Scottish Rite, and the Aleppo Shriners International.

Debra and Sam loved all animals, great and small. Together they bred and raised many German Shepherd champions.

Sam always appreciated good workmanship and honesty. One of his favorite sayings was "I never learned anything talking". Sam will always be remembered for his quick wit, his loyalty, friendships and his sense of humor.

Sam will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife of 64 years, Debra Ann Hokkanen of Holden; his brother-in-law, David G. Edstrom and his wife Deborah Anne (Kane) Edstrom, his niece and Godchild, Kimberly K. (Edstrom) Bivens and her husband, Dr. Harold Bivens; his grand-niece, Hannah (Kane) Bivens; several cousins and relatives on his father's side; and many close friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 1 at 11:00 AM at All Saint's Episcopal Church, 9 Irving Street, Worcester. Following the service, Sam will be laid to rest at All Faith's Cemetery, 9 Island Road, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam's name to German Shepherd Dog Club of America online at www.gsdca.org/donate/ or by check to GSDCA / CO Pamela Wolf-O'Dell, PO Box 1703, Snohomish, WA 98291, or to Detec Together, 53 Otis Street, Westborough, MA 01581 or www.detectogether.org/donate .