Samuel Richard Altobelli

Samuel R. Altobelli, 87, of Allentown, passed away Monday, May 4, 2020 at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton. 

Sam was born on January 15th, 1933 to his Italian immigrant parents, the late Domenico and Fenisia Altobelli in a loving family home on Franklin Street in Trenton, NJ.  He was the youngest of five treasured siblings, all of whom predeceased him but remained in his heart: Rose Funari, Mabel Constantine, Aldo Altobelli, Hilda Carnassale, and John Altobelli.  Beautiful memories of family, love and joy were etched in Sam’s mind.  He once wrote to his niece “I love going over those far away times and never forget the days we all shared.  They were some, no, many of the very best days of my life.”    

After graduating Trenton High School in 1951, Sam enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was deployed overseas during the Korean War.  From January 1951-December 1954, he was a Weather Observer at Kimpo Air Force Base and flew many missions in B-26 planes.  It was through his four-year experience in the Air Force that Sam developed a patriotism and love of country that would last the rest of his life.  Two years ago, he even took a trip to Korea, the first time back since his deployment 64 years earlier.  

Following his service with the USAF, Sam went to college under the G.I. Bill, earning a BA in Foreign Trade from Mexico City College in 1961.  He would later use what remained under the G.I. Bill to earn his MA from Trenton State College in 1973.  

In September, 1967, he married the beautiful Roberta Mischner, his loving wife of 53 years.  Together, they resided in Allentown, New Jersey where they remained until his passing.  

Sam worked as a Hearing Officer for New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, retiring in 1996.  He was also an active member of the Allentown Lions Club, serving as President from 1987-88.  Throughout his life, Sam engaged in many hobbies that brought him joy.  As a young man, he played American Legion baseball for the Trenton Schroths where he was an accomplished third basemen and hitter.  He later played in local men’s softball leagues in the Trenton and Hamilton areas, finally boasting a proud end to his career in the Over-70’s league.  Sam was also an active member of the Hamilton YMCA where he looked forward to daily workouts amongst the camaraderie of friends.  He was an avid stamp collector and amassed an impressive collection through the years.  He took great pleasure in making model airplanes and was a very talented artist who especially enjoyed sketching drawings of those he loved, drawings that will be treasured always.    

Sam is survived by his wife of 53 years, Roberta; his daughters, Michele and Ashley Altobelli; his grandchildren, Kira and Leah; his adoring nieces and nephews, Libby, Linda, James, Cynthia, Valerie, Allen and Donna as well as many great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.  From family birthdays to seasonal polenta parties, Sam’s presence will be truly missed by them all. 

Due to current circumstances, the interment in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery will be private.  A public committal service will be planned for a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Samuel Altobelli to the Korean War Veterans Association, PO Box 407, Charleston, IL 61920.

Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.