Samuel J. Delpopolo

Samuel J. Delpopolo, 87 years old, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of November 19, 2025.
Sam was born in Johnstown, PA. He is survived by his cherished daughter, Deborah Ann Delpopolo, his beloved siblings, Anna Marie Delpopolo (Bernard) and Dominick Delpopolo (Joyce), their children Helen (Lynn) and Nicholas, his loved brother-in-law Paul Sutterlin (Anita); Paul's children and grandchildren, his extended family, Lee and Suz Gronikowski, and many more. He is predeceased by his devoted wife of 54 years, Judith and his kind, loving mother Eva and father Salvatore.
In his younger years Sam served his country in the Navy. He spent months at a time in the middle of the ocean on the ship Chickasaw. He and his shipmates would swim in those refreshing, miles-deep waters whenever they could, braving big waves and sharks. Years later Sam and Debby would enjoy the same bliss of swimming in the ocean together as far out as possible past the waves to calm waters.
After he returned home, Sam met the love of his life Judy, when they both were living in the same apartment building in Elizabeth, NJ. Judy would hurry to the laundry room with clean laundry when she heard him heading there, just to chat with him. It worked out well they were married in 1966 and had their daughter Debby in 1968. They traveled, loved dining out, enjoyed the beach and Atlantic City while they watched Debby grow. The family visited the Jersey Shore every summer and it was always a relaxing vacation. Judy passed in 2020 and Sam missed her and thought of her everyday. They were married for 54 wonderful years holding hands wherever they went. Sam loved playing chess and was an avid runner. He went back to school and became a sought after computer programmer. He would jog on his lunch breaks. He was a remarkable artist working with charcoal, watercolor, and pencil but he was always humble about his talent. Debby inherited her dad's love of art but insists her dad's art is superior to hers. A love of books was shared by Sam and Debby. Trips to the bookstore were a shared joy for father and daughter. Sam was a huge animal lover, he adored his precious granddogs and cats, all seven, and they adored him as well. He devoted countless hours to their happiness. When Debby was very little, Sam taught her how to safely pet dogs and not to be afraid. As a result, she is a huge animal lover as well. Even the ducks knew him, they would waddle eagerly toward his car trusting him for treats and kindness. He and Judy donated generously to many animal charities as well as St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and the Wounded Warriors Project.
Above all, Sam was a devoted father. He never missed Debby's dance recitals, chorus concerts, halftime shows, or art exhibits. He was the dad that always showed up. When she was young, he would play ball with her in the backyard, and in the winter he would pull her through the snow on her sled, creating cherished memories she will never forget. In later years, he proudly supported her business and helped without hesitation.
Sam was an extraordinary father and husband, he had a gentle, laid back soul and shared gratitude wherever he went. He was extremely funny, caring and kind. Everyone who met him said what a gentle man he was. For those who loved him, there will be a piece missing forever.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.at the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Colonial Home.
Entombment will follow at Colonial Memorial Park, Trenton.
In honor and in memory of Sam, the family requests contributions be made to the following organizations which Sam loved and supported: Res-Q-Pets 170 Marketplace Blvd, Hamilton Township, NJ 08691 by visiting (https://www.resqpets.org/),
Pet Rescue of Mercer, P.O. Box 2574, Hamilton, NJ 08690 by visiting (https://www.petrescueofmercer.org/), or
Bordentown City Cats by visiting (https://linktr.ee/btowncitycats)
We are honored to assist the Cusick Funeral Home of Somerville in serving the Delpopolo Family during this tender time.