Samuel Laspina III

Samuel Laspina III, 90, went Home peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh. He was born on November 20, 1933, in Jeannette, the son of the late Salvatore and Anna Mae LaVaglia Laspina. He was a resident of The VA H.J. Heinz Campus and Living Center. Sam was of strong Christian faith, he enjoyed watching David Jeremiah and loved learning from him. He was a 1951 graduate of Penn Joint High School, and still attended his class reunions whenever possible; but always kept in touch with his classmates through the years. Sam was proud to serve his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War, where he attained the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. Afterwards, he was self-employed, mostly in the coal and construction business. After retirement, he enjoyed cruising, traveling, and dining at nice restaurants; always the first to insist on paying for everyone at the table. Throughout his life, Sam played a good game of golf; once achieving a “Hole-in-One” at East Bay Golf Club in Largo, FL; for which he was awarded a plaque. He loved watching all sports on television; especially golf, also the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Sam is survived by his daughters Debra (John) Rukenbrod, Cindy LaValle, Kimberly (Glenn) Mowry III, and Linda Lovett; the mother of his children Mary Hess Laspina; seven grandchildren Bonnie (Dave) Kolacinski, Bobby Koerber (Brittany Scuglia), Katie LaValle (Rob Ludwig), Ryan Laspina (Robbie Fox), Angie (Rick) Murray, Ashley (Moises) Mendoza, and Brianna Lovett; eight great-grandchildren Emma, Faron, Adrian, Eden, Tony, Ralynn, Elainah, and Javi; a brother Joseph (Jean) Laspina; a special lady friend for 40 years Linda Gallippi; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother James Laspina; two grandsons Michael Kaminski and Glenny Mowry IV; wife Mary “Margie” Tomer Laspina; and more recently his wife Esther Mae Watkins Laspina; and their beloved little dog Karlee. The family is grateful for everyone who lovingly assisted in caring for him, including dear friend Sherry Fanell, the family of Edward Schade, and various healthcare providers. Services and interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by William Snyder Funeral Home, Inc., 521 Main Street, Irwin, 724-863-1200. Those wishing may donate to Disabled American Veterans, http://www.dav.org, or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, http://www.stjude.org . For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

Samuel Laspina III

November 20, 1933 - June 11, 2024