Samuel C. Flint

SOUTH PORTLAND – Samuel C. Flint, also fondly referred to as “Sam” “Sammy” “Papa Sam” “Pudin Head” or “Peckerhead”, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 following a courageous battle with ALS, his loving daughter was by his side.

Sam grew up in Bridgton and is the last remaining family member of his late parents, Horace Sr. and Josie Flint. He attended local schools. After school hours he worked at Community Market in Harrison for Ralph Halloran, a man he considered his second dad.

After school he attended Hanson’s Barber School in Lewiston. After graduation he worked in the barbershop in Harrison for Carl Day. He kept his license active to this day, cutting hair in his garage.

After a short stint barbering, he joined the Army, specializing in aviation, helicopters at Fort Rucker, Ala. After schooling he went to Fort Benning, Ga. where they were forming the 173 Aviation Co. destined for Vietnam. After the buildup they were shipped to Oakland, Calif. where they boarded the USS General Walker, a troop-carrying ship where they spent the next 26 days en-route to Vietnam. After arriving at Lai Khe their name changed to the 173 Assault Helicopter Co called the Robinhoods. They became known as one of the finest Huey Company’s in Vietnam. Sam was a crew chief. He is especially proud of having one of their original Huey’s “091” on display in Washington, D.C. After his tour of duty there he spent his remaining time in Germany.

On his return to civilian life he joined the VFW in Harrison and became a charter member. Upon moving to South Portland he transferred to VFW 832 where he and Diana gave it their all. He worked for a plumber in Harrison, General Electric in Portland and then on to United Parcel Service where he spent the next 30-plus years. He loved his job where he met many lifelong friends. The best day of his career was when he was delivering downtown Portland and met the love of his life, Diana. After a year she became known as Diana Carol Flint! “The best thing that ever happened to me,” he would say, “I am who I am because of her!” She passed away Nov. 30, 2017.

Sam had an especially full life and had no regrets. He wishes to thank everyone who he came in contact with for their friendship, his Robinhood family covering the entire Country, and especially his family who have stood by him through his final ordeal. His primary care nurse Dr. Kelsey McDonald, Dr. Sara Schwartz, Northern Lights Hospice, Sara, Fred, Dennis, Erica, and Cara, the very best. The VA in Togus treated him like a king.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Diana Flint; parents, Horace Sr. and Josie Flint; brother, Horace Flint Jr., sisters Martha and Marion “Matty the Maid.”

He is survived by his precious daughter, Laurie Cote, his son, Craig Flint; two adopted daughters, Chris and Erica Maguire along with little Ryan; and his adopted son, Will Henderson and Robinhood brothers. He also leaves behind his two nieces, Cathy and Sherry Flint; his brothers-in-law Albie, Steven and wife Rachel, John and wife Ashley, sisters-in-law Cathy and husband Sonny, Nancy and husband Larry, and Jamie; many nieces and nephews; along with many close friends and extended family.

Visiting hours celebrating Sam’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from 12:00 – 1:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland.  A funeral service will follow at 1:00pm at the Chapel.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Broadway, South Portland, Me. To view Sam’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com

If you would like to make a donation in Sam’s name please consider the

South Portland High School Band,

637 Highland Ave.,

South Portland, ME 04106,

Maine Veterans Home,

290 US Route 1,

Scarborough, ME 04074, or

Northern Lights Hospice

50 Foden Rd.,

South Portland, ME 04106