Virginia K. “Ginny” Samaras, 89, a life-long resident of Red Bank, passed away peacefully Sept. 11, 2025, after a brief illness.
One of three children, Ginny was born Jan. 27, 1936, in New Brunswick to William J. and Virginia Gold Kehoe. She was raised in Red Bank and graduated from Red Bank Catholic before continuing her education at Kean College. She earned a Master’s Degree in education and English at Monmouth University.
Ginny taught for over 20 years at St. James Grammar School and was also a professor of English at Monmouth University for several years.
A devout Catholic, Ginny was a life-long parishioner of St. James Church in Red Bank. Extremely proud of her Irish heritage, Ginny had a fun, outgoing personality, was no-nonsense, and was strong in her opinions. Thoughtful and extremely generous, she was always ready to laugh, was easy to tease and loved a little ribbing or being the brunt of a joke. She was talented in handiwork and created beautiful needlepoint and knitting pieces.
Ginny loved the written word and was an avid reader, reading at least a book a week.
Ginny relished every opportunity she had to play bridge. She was a member of the American Contract Bridge League and played five to six times a week, traveling everywhere to do so. Above all else, Ginny was devoted to her family; her five cherished children were her proudest achievement.
Ginny was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Peter J. Samaras (1990); her daughter, Marianne Cittadino; her brother, William J. Kehoe Jr.; and her son-in-law, W. David Bauer.
Ginny is survived by her devoted children, Virginia S. Bauer (Don Steckroth), Carol Coleman (William), Cynthia Barham and Peter J. Samaras (Tina); her son-in-law, Michael Cittadino; her cherished grandchildren, David Bauer, Stephen J. Bauer, Jacqueline Bauer Seremetis, Michael Biafore, Mark Biafore, Alexandra Barham, Leslie Barham Widdis, William C. Barham, Christine Cittadino, Jennifer Cittadino and Peter M. Samaras; her beloved 12 great-grandchildren; and her loving sister Linda Kehoe of California.
A memorial gathering will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 18 at St. James Church, 94 Broad St., Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ginny’s memory to St. James Parish, 94 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701 or to Easter Seals, 1215 Main St., Asbury Park, NJ 07712.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the September 18 – 24, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
