Samuel Toney Zabec Jr.

We lost one of the good guys …. it is with the heaviest of hearts and great sadness that I announce the passing of my brother. Samuel T. Zabec, Jr., 82, of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, formerly of New Kensington, passed away unexpectedly at his home on February 24, 2025.  Sam was the son of the late Samuel T. Zabec, Sr. and the late Jennie Johns Zabec and was born in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.   Sam was a graduate of New Kensington High School and The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt).  From 1966 until his retirement in 2004, Sam was an instructor in computer science, engineering, and math at Penn State Greater Allegheny (previously Penn State McKeesport).  He also served as an adviser to the Delta Kappa Phi Fraternity and a Residence Hall Coordinator.  In May of 2011, the Penn State Greater Allegheny honored him as an outstanding educator, and his former students established an endowment scholarship in his name, which supports students studying the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum.  After retirement, Sam volunteered at area high schools teaching STEM related studies.

He is preceded in death by his sisters Monna and Kathleen and is survived by sister Linda (Doug); brother-in-law Bud and nieces Susan (Keith); Amanda (Branden); nephews Charlie (Crystal) and Nathan, as well as his many cousins (especially Diane and Jamille) and countless friends and former Nittany Lion students and associates.

Sam touched many lives and will be remembered for his sense of humor, hearty laugh, love of education and passion for music. Someone once said, “good teachers teach, but great teachers inspire”.  Sam definitely inspired, and had a positive impact on many students.

Per Sam’s wishes, his burial will be private and no services are planned at the moment.

Donors may send checks for the Samuel T. Zabec Trustee Scholarship at Greater Allegheny payable to:

Penn State GA-Sam Zabec at Penn State Greater Allegheny
c/o Development Office
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA   15132

You can also contribute clicking the link below or by manual entry through your browser:   

https://raise.psu.edu/SamZabecSchp

We will miss you, Sam.   We’ll see you when we get there.

Arrangements under the auspices of ROSS G. WALKER of New Kensington, PA 
 

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