Samuel A. Gabud

1968 - 2025

Samuel Adrian Gabud, 57, of Oakmont and Springdale, passed peacefully on Oct. 27, 2025, with his sisters by his side. "Sammy," as so many of us knew him by, was born on Aug. 18, 1968, to Thomas and Rhondda Gabud. At a young age, Sam had two passions that spanned his entire life: trains and drums. As a boy, vacations were taken to observe steam locomotives, dragging his sister, Sarah, along for the ride. Sam also got his first drum set at a young age, and from that point on there was not a piece of tableware, countertop, or actual instrument that was spared. He attended Springdale High School, where he was a member of the marching band and jazz band, continuing his love for percussion. After Springdale, Sam attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he got his bachelor's degree in music performance with a specialty in percussion. He was the principal percussionist in the IUP Orchestra and had his own band, "Slick Sammy," but most importantly, he instilled a love of music in everyone he met. It wasn't just at IUP that he inspired other musicians; it was throughout his entire life, playing for elementary and middle schoolers, assisting young drum players in learning, and teaching his own family and friends how to be better musicians. Sammy played with professional bands Laid II Rest, Something Sacred, and Big House Pete, usually with the big, long hair of an '80s rock star. When he wasn't banging on a drum or visiting trains, he worked at Harmar Lanes, Oakmont Lanes, CXL Warehouse, and eventually FedEx. Later in his life, Sam experienced a left leg amputation and pushed himself to relearn to play the drums with his prosthetic. Sam had the biggest heart of anyone you knew, and it showed with his love and support as a caregiver for his mother. While his drums and trains meant the world to him, Sam's biggest pride in life was becoming a father to Olivia, and he excelled at it. Olivia brought such a smile to Sam's face and so much love to his life. He excitedly watched all of her accomplishments, including picking up percussion in the band. His favorite thing in life was to be a father. Samuel now joins his father, Thomas Gabud; grandparents; and many of his favorite aunts (Marie, Shirley, and Gooie) on his next big adventure. He had many friends and family to welcome him home. He will be missed here by his mother, Rhondda (Reed) Gabud; sisters, Sarah (Mark) Tuite and Rebekah (Tyler) Schertz; daughter, Olivia Gabud; wife, Melissa Gabud; and nephews and niece, Thomas and Matthew McCutcheon and Bre a Schertz. In lieu of flowers, his family has set up a GoFundMe for funeral costs at https://gofund.me/e1f9f9330. Sam, we hope you're enjoying every rock legend, playing drums for them, and adventuring on all your trains. We love you. Friends and family will be received from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES INC., 421 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont, PA 15139. Prayer and Time of Remembrance at 4 p.m.