Samuel "Sam" DeBona

Samuel “Sam” G. DeBona, 67, passed away peacefully on Sept. 9, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Sam was born May 2, 1956 in Sewickley, PA. He was the proud son of the late Vincent and AnnaBelle Bufalini DeBona. 

Sam is a 1974 graduate of Ambridge High School and a 1978 graduate of Slippery Rock University. He was an All-American football player. He played as a linebacker for both of his schools and served as a team captain for both. He also earned his Black Belt in Tang Soo Do along with his two boys.

Upon graduation, Sam was employed by the Pennysaver Publication. He started his career as an advertising salesman, but worked his way up the ranks to become the Vice President of Sales.

In 1996, along with his wife Vicky, he decided to start his own business. For 28 years, they were the publishers of the Town Planner Community Calendar. He was extremely passionate about his local community, which lead him to a very successful business. He was at the top of his field, which lead him to become a trainer, mentor, and motivational speaker for the Town Planner organization. 

Sam was an extraordinary man who had passion for life.  There are not enough words to fully express just how genuinely special he really was. Even though Sam would not like being the center of attention, he would be truly touched by the outpour of love and support shown to his family in this difficult time. He always tried to make everyone feel special.  He was a friend to anyone he met throughout his life. He was someone that made it a point to make sure that everyone felt loved and included. He would go out of his way to make sure everyone felt it, which is why his wedding had over 1,000 guests in attendance. To know Sam was to love him, and in return, he poured that love into others. He was an amazing husband, dad, brother, and uncle to his family. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he would do anything for them. To him, family was more than just a blood relation; it also applied to his chosen family members. He took pride in his entire family and thoughtfully expressed his love to them in so many ways from taking pictures, saving mementos, leaving a tender voicemail, singing a birthday song, changing song lyrics (Pumpkin head, Pumpkin head)—the list could go on. Family was everything to him, and nothing made him happier than seeing his family together and having a good time.

Sam is survived by his soulmate and will be extremely missed by his wife of 40 years, Vicky. Two sons whom he was immensely proud of, Samuel (Cory Froomkin) and Jonathan (Aaron Chicoine). Three brothers: Vince (Grace), Mike (Angela), and Ed. Two brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law: Val and Mike Fitzpatrick, Lolo and Frank Presto, Colleen DeBona, and Debbie Rice. Cousin, GianinaShaginaw and numerous nieces and nephews: Allison and Rex Tilton, Jordan DeBona, Mickey DeBona, Jared and Kaitlyn DeBona, Alexis and Chris Villella, Matthew DeBona, Lauren and Scott Zlotnick, Julianna DeBona, Karl and Jade Shaginaw, Michael Fitzpatrick, David Fitzpatrick, Frank and Amanda Presto, Nicole and Brandon Dunmire, Delaney Rice, Adam Mitro, Alexa Mitro, Luke Mitro, Rebecca and Mark Livesay, and Debbie and Mike Fate. Great nieces and nephews: Ajax Tilton, Iris and Silvio DeBona, Gus and Sal Villella, Roman, Dora, Marko and Zion Shaginaw, Gerald Dunmire, and Luca Presto. 

He may be gone, but his kindness and memory will live on in our hearts. He will be remembered by all who loved him. He left his mark on this world, and because he was here with us, he made all of our lives better.  He lived his life with love, honor, and respect.  

Friends will be received on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 6pm to 8pm, and Wednesday, September 13, 2023, from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm, in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC., 547 8th Street, Ambridge, 724-266-2549. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Saint Luke the Evangelist Church, 725 Glenwood Avenue, Ambridge. Burial will follow at Saint Peter and Paul Cemetery, Economy. Memorial contributions for Sam can be made to the Center for Hope Foundation. Full obituary can be viewed at alvarezhahnfs.com

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