Samuel R. Stanchak, 82, of Chippewa Township, went home to his heavenly Father on Friday, January 13, 2023.  Born on October 17, 1940, in Farrell, PA, he was the son of the late Samuel and Stefeiana Stanchak.

Sam is survived by his four children, Samuel (Ann) Stanchak, Jason Stanchak, Jonathan Stanchak, and Maura (Kenny Strelchun) Stanchak, two grandchildren, Lauren (Kyle) Narkiewicz and Elisabeth Strelchun, and two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Audrey Narkiewicz.  He is also survived by his loving companion, Terri Marshall, her children, Bradley (Daniela) Marshall and Ryan (Rebecca) Marshall and grandchildren, Joseph, Gianna, Averi, and Addison Marshall; special nieces and nephews, Kaiden, Kobe, Gabriel, and Christian Andreas, as well as many dear friends.

Sam was a graduate of Freedom High School, Geneva College, and earned his Master of Education degree from Slippery Rock University.  He was a respected and charismatic teacher at Rochester School District for 38 years where he maintained a fun but strict classroom and dearly enjoyed the camaraderie of colleagues both before and after retirement.

His legendary presence in Western PA sports began as a 3-sport high school star athlete (baseball, basketball, football) and continued as a collegiate baseball player. After graduation, Sam coached basketball at Rochester High School, then became a softball umpire with the American Softball Association.  In his 40-year career as an umpire, he officiated over 3000 games at the recreational, high school, and professional level.  As a parent, "Papa Stan" was also known for his one-of-a-kind whistle from the stands and spirited support of his children throughout their athletic careers.  To know Sam, is to know his love for Beaver County athletics, as well as his passionate support of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.

The funeral service to celebrate Sam's good humor, kind and generous heart, and faithful devotion to Jesus will be Saturday, January 21 at 11 AM at the Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home, followed by private interment at Calvary Cemetery (formerly known as Saint Felix Cemetery), Freedom. Family and friends will be received Friday, January 20, 6-8PM and Saturday, January 21 9-11 AM (Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home, Chippewa Twp., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls).

In lieu of flowers, donations to the children's programs at his church, Life Family Church, at https://nbca.breezechms.com/give/online , or checks may be made to Life Family Church with "Memorial" in the memo.