Samuel M. Calabris, 94, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at Austinburg Rehabilitation Center in Austinburg, Ohio.

Samuel was born on July 13, 1932, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, the son of Peter and Adela Calabrise.

Samuel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and proud Korean War veteran. Family and community were incredibly important to him, and throughout his 94 years, he created countless memories that his family and friends will continue to cherish.

Samuel proudly served his country during the Korean War, where he served as a cook. Following his military service, Samuel became one of the first employees of Reactive Metals Inc. (RMI), which grew to become one of the largest titanium plants in the world. He dedicated 30 years to RMI before later working as a security guard.

Samuel had a true passion for youth sports and dedicated much of his time to coaching young athletes. He was one of the founders of midget football and took great pride in helping give young people in his community the opportunity to play, learn, and be part of a team. Coaching was more than something Samuel did—it was something he genuinely loved.

Samuel’s natural desire to be involved and help others continued throughout his life. While residing at Austinburg Rehabilitation Center, he proudly served as president of the Resident Council, representing his fellow residents and remaining an active part of the community he called home.

Anyone who knew Samuel knew that his birthday was not just another day—it was an event. Samuel loved his birthday and expected it to be treated like a holiday. Every year called for a family and neighborhood picnic, and in Samuel’s mind, no birthday celebration was complete without the pig roast he insisted on having every year. Those celebrations brought together family, friends, and neighbors and became treasured memories for everyone who shared them with him.

Samuel also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He loved lottery tickets, bingo, puzzles, and trains, and he enjoyed settling in to watch his favorite Westerns, especially The Lone Ranger.

Samuel is survived by his children, Malissa (Brian) Bartram of Ashtabula, David Calabris of Denver, North Carolina, Michael (Joanna) Calabris of Ashtabula, and Lisa (Robert) Morey of Kannapolis, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Jenna (Derek) Burleson, Nicholas (Sarah) Morey, Jordan R. Watson, Marissa Calabris, and Miranda Calabris; and his great-grandchildren, Trevor and Logan.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary Lena Dressel, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Samuel shared an especially close bond with his nephews Carmen Romano and Larry Mozzocco, whom he thought of as sons, as well as Scott Mullen, who also held a special place in his heart. His great-niece, Fabiana Romano, was very special to him, and he loved her dearly.

Samuel was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lydia A. Calabris (Matz); his son, Brian Calabris; his parents, Peter and Adela Calabrise; and his siblings, Jack Calabrise and Margaret Romano.

Samuel lived a long and full life—serving his country, working hard, giving back to his community, coaching generations of young athletes, loving his family, and, of course, making sure everyone knew when his birthday rolled around.

Samuel’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Austinburg Rehabilitation Center for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided to Samuel. The family would also like to thank the fourth-floor nursing staff at Ashtabula Regional Medical Center (ARMC) for the care and compassion shown to Samuel and his family. Their kindness during this time will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

Samuel’s family will forever cherish the traditions, stories, laughter, birthday celebrations, and countless moments that made him uniquely himself. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many people whose lives he touched during his 94 years.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday Sept.9 at seven P.M. in Guerriero Funeral Home 1550 west 19th st. with Father Francis Muriithi officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 7, burial will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery. memorial contributions can be made to the family.