Samuel Matthew Levine

Samuel Matthew Levine
April 11, 2006 - December 16, 2025

Samuel (Sam) Levine passed away in his sleep surrounded by love in his home on December 16, 2025 at the age of 19 years, following a courageous 19 month battle with DIPG, a rare and aggressive brain tumor.

Sam was the beloved son of Stephen Levine and Kara Levine, and the cherished twin brother of Leah Levine. He was a deeply loved grandson of Rosalind and Farrel Levine, Michael and Pamela Levinson, and Suzanne and Carl Zittrer. Sam was also treasured by his aunts, uncles, cousins, a large extended family, many many friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Sam graduated from Upper St. Clair high school with high honors one month after his DIPG diagnosis. With initial intentions of attending Ohio State University on a Buckeye scholarship, after his diagnosis, Sam decided to attend the University of Pittsburgh, finally giving in to his love of Pitt since early childhood.

Sam loved watching and playing sports, had a true passion for life, and felt an extraordinary love for the people in his orbit. He valued friendships deeply and had a rare ability to make others feel seen, supported, and included. Whether in the school hallways, with his teammates and classmates, or simply spending time with friends, Sam thrived on connection and community. His kindness, determination, quiet humor, mischievous smile, easy laugh, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Sam faced his illness with remarkable courage, strength, and grace. Even in the most difficult moments, he remained thoughtful, resilient, and deeply himself, inspiring those around him by the way he lived and loved. Sam will be remembered always for his generous spirit, his unwavering determination, and the love he gave so freely. Sam will be profoundly missed and forever loved.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 19, 2025, preceded by family visitation from 12:00-1:00 pm, at Temple Emanuel of South Hills (Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/5326774310), followed by interment at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Shiva will be held from 5:30-8:00 pm on Saturday, December 20th at Temple Emanuel, and on Sunday, December 21st at the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam's memory may be made to ChadTough, supporting research and families impacted by DIPG: https://chadtough.org/donate/. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com