As a boy, Timothy Samuelson learned the value of helping the less fortunate by watching his father run a camp for substance abusers and others in trouble. When he grew up, he decided to follow the same path and dedicated his life to helping children in need.
“He saw underprivileged children. He could see little kids that were poorly clothed and not well nourished,” said his mother, Elaine. “I think it influenced both our boys to reach out and be compassionate.”
Mr. Samuelson, 49, of St. Charles, who spent his professional career at Maryville Academy for abused and neglected children, died Monday, Sept. 5, in Sherman Hospital in Elgin of a heart attack, said his brother, Clayton.
Mr. Samuelson was born in Aurora and grew up in St. Charles, graduating from St. Charles High School in 1973. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Greenville College in Greenville, Ill., in 1977.
The following year, he did some postgraduate work at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
In 1981, Mr. Samuelson went to work for Maryville Academy in Des Plaines. For 24 years, he held several management positions and worked with children. His most recent job was overseeing Maryville’s mental-illness and substance-abuse program.
“He was really just a great individual and always cared for the kids and had their best interests at heart,” said Cheryl Heyden, director of program services at Maryville.
Helping the children at Maryville was Mr. Samuelson’s life work, his brother said. “He was caring, he was understanding, always willing to help out.”
Elaine Samuelson said her son rarely took time off.
“Those children at Maryville were Tim’s life,” she said. “It was not his job. It was his calling. His dedication has always been to someone who is less fortunate, to reach out to children and try to make an influence on their lives.”
In addition to his mother and brother, survivors include four nieces.
Services have been held.
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kataiyero@tribune.com
