Jerome (Rome) James Sambula

Jerome (Rome) James Sambula, 85, of Charleroi, went to be with the Lord on April 11, 2026, at St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born in North Charleroi on March 25, 1941, he was the son of the late George and Anna (Pakeltis) Sambula.

Catholic by faith, Jerome was a member of Saint Andrew the Apostle – Charleroi Site. After graduating from high school, he served honorably in the United States Army from 1963 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. He was also a proud member of the Charleroi Italian Unita Club and the Speers Boat Club.

Following his retirement from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation—where he worked in several state Employment and Unemployment Offices—Jerome continued his commitment to public service. He served on the Pennsylvania state hiring committee for police officers and on the board of the Charleroi Water Authority.

A lifelong resident of Charleroi, Jerome began his working years at Zelienski’s Bridal as a delivery person and later at a local travel agency while attending the former California State Teachers College, where he earned a degree in Education with a specialization in History. Over the decades, he formed many lasting friendships, including three childhood friends—Donnie (WV), and Benji and Nuc (NJ) -- with whom he remained close throughout his life. Known for his genuinely kind and easygoing nature, Jerome had a gift for making people feel comfortable; others simply enjoyed being in his company.

Jerome was a devoted father and “Pappy.” He loved planning unique summer vacations with his children, enjoyed playing bocce with friends, and in earlier years spent many evenings bowling. He fit in effortlessly wherever he went, and his children’s friends loved being around him as well. Smart, grounded, and steady, he offered exceptional guidance and support to those he loved.

He cherished his younger years with the Lundy brothers, Benny, Kutzy, Eugene, and Rip—and with others such as Jamie, Gene, and Jodi. He also treasured his Tuesday evenings at the Boat Club, sharing bocce, wine, beer, and good food with many dear friends. Jerome built countless meaningful relationships and remained close with extended family throughout his life, including his former wife, “Cher,” her husband, George, his sister‑in‑law, Peggy, and John, and their family. He will be deeply missed by so many.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his son, Marc (Dr. Patrick Christy) Sambula of Rosslyn Farms; his daughter, Tracy Lynne (Joey) Bosley of Franklin Park; and his granddaughter, Mia Lynne Bosley. He is also survived by nieces Annette, Donna, Kathy, and Toni; nephews Bob, Chris, Jimmy and Randy; many great‑nieces and great‑nephews; extended family members; and dear family friends.

In addition to his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by his brother, George E. Sambula; his sister, Francis Lundy; his niece, Amelia Sambula; and his nephews, William “Billy” Lundy and George Sambula. He was also preceded in death by his former sister‑in‑law, Joanne, and brother‑in‑law, Bill. He is survived as well by his sister‑in‑law, Carol.

Friends and family will be received from 3:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Hogan-Melenyzer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Andrew the Apostle – Charleroi Site, 624 Washington Ave. Interment will take place at a later date at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hogan-melenyzer.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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