Samuel P. Japalucci

Samuel P. Japalucci, 80, of Latrobe, died Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, in Jeannette Hospice of Westmoreland. He was born Oct. 27, 1929, in Salem Township, son of the late Pasquale "Patsy" and MaryJane (Osborne) Japalucci. He retired from the United States Postal Service in Pittsburgh after more than 30 years of service and was a member of Latrobe United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees and was an usher. He was the past treasurer of the Men's Prayer Breakfast, a member of Latrobe Kiwanis Club, of which he was a past president, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Steelworker Retiree Club No. 1537, NARFE No. 392, a former volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and member of and American Legion Post No. 515 continuously for 50 years. He was a 1947 graduate of Latrobe High School and served in the Air Force in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. In addition to his parents Sam was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles O., Robert E. and George J. Japalucci; and two sisters, Elma and her husband, Arthur Robson, and Elizabeth C. "Betty" Japalucci; a niece, Patricia "Trish" Schiefer; two nephews, Mark D. Fink and Richard W. Japalucci. He is survived by a sister, Peggy and her husband, Paul Simms, of Latrobe; a brother, Daniel F. Japalucci and his wife, Phyllis, of Roseville, Mich.; and sisters-in-law, Jane Japalucci and Lucille Japalucci, of Latrobe. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who considered him a very special Uncle. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650, where a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday with the Rev. David Henderson. Burial will be in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont. The combined funeral detail of local American Legion and VFW veterans will provide military honors at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. To send online condolences, visit www.frederickfuneralhome.com.