JOHN S. SAMSA

SAMSA
JOHN S.
Of Penn Hills, a native of Turtle Creek, age 55, on Friday, March 24, 2017. He won his four-year battle with Pancreatic Cancer, living every day to its fullest and setting an example for all who knew him with his positive attitude, unfailing courage, compassion for others, and joy of life. There was no doubt that John's love of family was first and foremost in his life. John was preceded in death by his father, Frank Samsa, and his mother, Rosemary Samsa. Beloved and devoted husband of Kathleen (Gottschalk) Samsa for 31 years filled with love and friendship; adored and precious father of John F. Samsa (Brittany Metz) of North Braddock, Sean Samsa (Jessica DeTorre) of Forest Hills and Katla Samsa (Frank Russo) of Penn Hills; cherished brother of Veronica (Rich) Pecora of Harrison City, Robert (Marian) Samsa of OH, Greg (Kathy) Samsa of OH and the late Frank (Donna) Samsa; much-loved son-in-law of Geraldine Gottschalk; proud brother-in-law of Kim DeMarco, Karen Feehan, Ken Gottschalk, and Kelly Sweeney. John was also treasured by many nieces and nephews. John was a 1979 graduate of Turtle Creek High School and a 1983 graduate of Slippery Rock University. John was a stand-out baseball player at Slippery Rock. In 1982, he set single-season SRU records for Most Home Runs, Highest Slugging % and RBI's and helped lead his team to the PA State Athletic Conference Championship that season. His .1000 fielding average record still stands today. John began his career in human services with the Turtle Creek Valley MH/MR, Inc., where he met the love of his life. He then worked at Transitional Services, Inc. before joining the staff at NHS. John was the Regional Director for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the Allegheny Center, managing group housing and the day program. John's passion for his work and for the individuals that NHS serves was unparalleled. He strived to make a difference in their lives every day. He loved his job and his co-workers who he considered family. John and his family are eternally grateful for all of the love, support, and friendship that he received from his NHS family. He rarely missed a day of work even during his illness and continued to work with NHS up until a few weeks ago. John loved sports. He was an assistant football coach at Turtle Creek High School, as well as an assistant baseball coach at CCAC Boyce. John umpired softball for the Penn Hills Umpire Association. He was an active community volunteer and served as a coach and President of the Turtle Creek Athletic Association for over a decade. Later in life, John discovered the joy of becoming a referee with the Greater Pittsburgh Football Officials Association. For the last several years, John had served as vice-president on the board of the GPFOA. He also co-chaired the scholarship committee. One of his greatest pleasures had been to help select and present scholarships to deserved local area college-bound athletes. John was honored when the GPFOA recently acknowledged John's contributions and courage by adding his name to the scholarship (Harry Quinn/Fred Zangaro/John Samsa Scholarship). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to this scholarship fund. Checks may be made to "Greater Pittsburgh Football Officials Association" and sent to 127 Lorish Rd., McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Friends welcome on Monday, March 27, 2017, and Tuesday, March 28, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., TURTLE CREEK / MONROEVILLE CHAPEL, 1111 Monroeville Ave. at James St., Turtle Creek, 412-823-9350. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Colman Church on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. John will be laid to rest in Good Shepherd Cemetery.