SOUTH PORTLAND — Alphonse D. “Bookie” Sampson, 77, of Elm Street, died peacefully Sept. 8 at the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, with his family by his side.

Sampson was born in Nova Scotia on Oct. 25, 1936, the son of James A. and Veronica MacNeil Sampson. He attended local schools there.

He came to the United States in 1955, and was a landscaper and a construction worker before working as a truck driver for more than 20 years. For the past 16 years, Sampson drove for Nordx, a job he loved. He was given the nickname of “Candyman” because he would always have candy in his pocket when he arrived to make a pickup.

Sampson married Katherine L. Hubner in Portland on his 50th birthday, Oct. 25, 1986. He became a U.S. citizen on Oct. 27, 1989.

Together, Sampson and his wife were communicants of Holy Cross Church in South Portland. He was also a great supporter of the American Heart Association and worked tirelessly in its fundraising efforts.

Sampson is remembered for always taking a moment to say hello when he met someone. His greatest love, however, was the time he spent surrounded by his family and friends.

Sampson was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret Muise and Joann MacNeil, and a brother, Patrick Sampson.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Sampson, of South Portland; daughters, Deanne Sampson, of South Portland, Theresa Riley and husband, Aaron, of Standish, and Mary Cathryn Crowell and husband, Matthew, of Gorham; sons, Daniel Sampson, of Buxton, David Sampson, of Hiram, and James Robertson Jr., of South Berwick; a sister, Muriel Gillis, and husband, Richard Tibbitts, of Florida; three brothers, Angus Sampson and wife, Julia, of Massachusetts, James Sampson, of Massachusetts, and Robert Sampson and wife, Cathy, of Nova Scotia; sisters-in-law Laurel Sampson, of Nova Scotia, and Mary Hubner, of Portland; 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Prayers were recited Sept. 12 at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at Holy Cross Church, in South Portland. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery.

Those who wish may make contributions in Sampson’s memory to the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074.

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