Obituary of Samuel Edward Jensen

Samuel "Sam" "Ed" E. Jensen, 82, of Amsterdam, passed away Tuesday September 15, 2009 at the Samuel Stratton Albany VA Hospital. Born in Amsterdam, NY on November 25, 1926 a son of the late Mary and Soren Jensen. He was a lifelong resident of the Amsterdam area and attended the former Technical High School in Amsterdam. Mr. Jensen enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and served aboard ship in the Pacific Theatre until the end of World War II in 1945. After the war he worked as a diesel mechanic for Detroit Diesel in Albany, NY retiring in 1991. He was an avid race car fan. He raced at the former Perth Speed Way in the early 1950's. Ed was a fan of the Fonda Speedway and followed NASCAR for many years. He is survived by a brother, Robert Jensen and his wife Helen of Amsterdam, NY. Two nieces, Mary Ellen Rinaldi Gary of Latham, NY and Barbara Jensen of Amsterdam, NY One grand-nephew Michael Rinaldi with whom he shared his racing passion of Latham, NY and cousins also survive. It was the request of Mr. Jensen there be no viewing hours. Burial at Sea will take place at a later date in Hawaii aboard a U.S. Navy Vessel. We wish to thank Mt. Loretto Nursing Home and the Albany VA Hospital for their care, A special thank you to Ted and Denise Horn for being such great friends to Sam. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Jensen's memory to the American Cancer Society or Community Hospice of Amsterdam. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010.