Sam (Sarkis) Amanatian born in Methuen, Mass., passed away on December 10, 2013, in Atlantis, Fla. He resided in Lawrence and Methuen before moving to Boynton Beach, Fla., in 2001.

He was employed by Raytheon Company in Andover, Mass., for 39 years. Sam was the elected President of the Raytheon Employees Activities Association with a membership of 5,000 employees. He also chaired numerous social events and tournaments. Sam served as the Golf League Treasurer, even though he didn't golf. He was an avid bowler and President of the Raytheon Bowling League. Sam bowled ten pins all his life in Leagues right up until the week before he passed away. He played softball, which paved the way to his infamous umpiring career. To quote a Raytheon source, "his unending feats were colorful and legendary, always in control and firm in his decision." Of course, being Sam, he became Umpire-in Chief.

Sam was a horse racing fanatic. There wasn't anything he didn't know about the sport. His greatest professional sport loves were the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Boston Bruins. After retiring, he had more time to watch the games and make the calls, most often more accurate than the Professional Umps and Refs.

In Florida, he was President of the community in which he lived and a member of the Greenacres Bowling League. He was a caring and loving husband and father.

Sam will dearly be missed by his loving wife of 53 and a half years, Sandra (Ciras) of Boynton Beach, Fla.; a daughter, Shawna of Boynton Beach; a son, Stephen and his fiance, Kathy Molten of Bradford, Mass.; a brother, Harry of New Hampshire; sisters and brothers in-law, JoAnne Ciras and Allan Johnson of New Hampshire, and Susan (Ciras) and Jay Costello of Arkansas; nephews, Zachary and Jonathan Costello; and nieces, Sherilyn and Amanda Amanatian; and his beloved Maltese, Chloe; and many good friends in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, J. Lauer Unit, JFK Medical Center, Atlantis, FL 33462.

Arrangements are entrusted to Palm Beach National Chapel, 10055 Heritage Farms Road, Lake Worth, FL 33449. Condolences may be expressed at www. palmbeachnationalchapel.com.