Samuel E. Churilla Jr. 1948-2025

He was born April 15, 1948, in Uniontown, Pa., the son of Samuel and Veronica Sadosky Churilla. He grew up in Campbell and later made his residence in Struthers.

Sam graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1966. He joined the United States Air Force in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1972. Sam did two tours of duty in Vietnam.

He started his working career as a clerk at Youngstown Sheet & Tube (LTV Steel). Sam retired after 26 years as plant maintenance supervisor at Cardinal Mooney High School.

Sam enjoyed fishing, hunting, drag racing in his younger days, bocce and watching sports. He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan. He was an active member of VFW Chapter 3538.

Sam married Bonnie Lou Sander Churilla on March 21, 1998. Bonnie passed June 20, 2024. Twenty-six years married and they were rarely seen apart.

Sam is survived by his children, Kimberly Colegrove of Richmond, Kentucky, Jeffrey Churilla of Austintown and Kathryn Churilla of Tega Cav, South Carolina; and two granddaughters, Madison Colegrove and Lindsey Colegrove.

He will be sadly missed by his brother, Thomas (Halina) Churilla of Poland; his nephew, Steven Churilla; his stepchildren, Sherri Lynn (Gregg) Horvat of Canfield and Salvatore (Brittney) Mattace of Grayson, Georgia; and step-grandchildren, Nicco (Allie McIntosh) Mattace, Gino Mattace, Jackson (Taylor) Horvat, Nicolena Horvat and Elliana Horvat. We cannot forget to mention he leaves his constant companion, his German Shepherd, Shasha.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife; and his step-granddaughter, Gianna Horvat.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley by Compassus for their compassionate care during Sam’s final days.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wasko Funeral Home, 216 Coitsville Road, Campbell, OH 44405, where the family will receive relatives and friends 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, with a brief service at 11 a.m.

Sam’s ashes, as well as Bonnie’s ashes, will be buried in Graceland Cemetery in New Castle, Pa., at a later date.

Together again!

The family requests no flowers, please.

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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