SGM Samson Fontanilla Descargar (Ret)

SGM Samson Fontanilla Descargar (U.S. Army Retired) of Fayetteville, NC, age 71, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving and devoted family in the early morning of October 4, 2022 after a long courageous battle with End Stage Renal Disease and Renal Cell Carcinoma. Samson battled his illness with the courage and never-ending spirit that always defined him but never changed him.

Samson was born on June 21, 1951 in San Nicolas, Philippines, first-born son to the late Alfonso O. Descargar and Dorotea Fontanilla. From a very young age and into early adulthood, Samson was always intellectually ahead of his time and pursued everything with great confidence. Destined to become a great leader, Samson followed the footsteps of his Father (U.S. Navy) and pursued a military career enlisting in the U.S. Army on November 26, 1971. He served with the utmost distinction and honor for more than 30 years. SGM Descargar retired with pride from active duty on January 31, 2001 and then worked as a contractor for the U.S. Army.

During his service to his country, the military recognized his many achievements and accomplishments with a long list of awards and decorations: Legion Of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award) Vietnam Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 4, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device.

Samson, known to most as Sam, was an amazing son, the best big brother to his three siblings, a devoted husband, a loving father, and an incredible grandfather. He was a very kind-hearted and generous soul that always put everyone else’s needs above his own. His smile was infectious….it was unforgettable. He was a storyteller…whether fact or fiction….he could keep your ears busy for hours. He loved his family and worked hard to provide his family with the best he had to offer. Eating was his passion, and when he wasn’t in pursuit of that next meal, he enjoyed fishing, traveling and spending time with his Grandsons. The military created a tough outer shell, however, that shell would crack every time his Grandsons were around. After receiving his cancer diagnosis in January 2021, instead of fighting with fear, he fought with adventure. He managed to do a long list of things for the very first time and not for the last time.

Samson is survived by his loving wife, Andromeda Conde Descargar; his daughter Sabrina Conde Williams, her husband Richard and their twin sons-Jaden Sam and Preston James-all of Hope Mills; his son John Conde Descargar of Fayetteville; his sister Arlene Descargar of Carson, CA; his brother David Descargar, his wife Rosalia and their daughter-Cecilia-all of Murrieta, CA; his brother Daniel Descargar of McKinney, TX; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins and extended family in the Philippines, Canada and the USA; and the many friends whose lives he touched throughout his military and civilian career.

The Family will receive friends Thursday, October 13, 2022 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304

Funeral Services will be Friday, October 14, 2022 at 12:30 PM at the Main Post Chapel, Sedgwick Street, Fort Bragg, NC 28307

Burial Services with Full Military Honors will follow at 2:00 PM in Sandhills State Veteran's Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd, Fort Bragg, NC 28310

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