Samuel Joseph Lombardo

December 17, 1926  -  March 22, 2025

Samuel Joseph Lombardo Obituary

Samuel Joseph Lombardo, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 22, 2025, at the age of 98. Sam will be lovingly remembered for his strength of character, patience, kindness, and calming presence. Born on December 17, 1926 in West Bristol, PA, Sam would say the greatest gift of his life was his marriage of 78 years to his loving wife, Jean Mary Stuhltrager.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, son, Eric, daughters-in-law, Laurie Lombardo and Nancy Stranahan, grandchildren Juli Lombardo Kanney (Joe Kanney), Jason Lombardo, and Jenna Lombardo, 2 greatgrandchildren, Vince and Maggie Kanney, nieces Audrey Kimberly, Linda Leigh, Jeanne Quinn, Annie Lu Jarvis, and Dee Harbin and nephews Richard and Bud Guyer. He is preceded in death by his loving son Bruce, his father Joseph, mother Josephine, and dear sisters Mary and Phyllis.

Sam achieved many accomplishments over the course of his life. While serving in the Army Air Corps during 1944-1945, he was honored to be appointed company commander of his basic training company. Following his military service, he achieved his Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from Drexel University. He had a long career in the machine tool industry, culminating with his role as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Operations for Cincinnati based Lodge and Shipley from 1963-1984. He retired in 1984 and moved with Jean to Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Sam enjoyed many hobbies throughout his lifetime. He was an avid clock collector and built a Massachusetts Shelf Clock from scratch. His love of travel found him in all corners of the globe including Europe, Australia, Russia, China, South America, and Africa, among countless other destinations. Sam and Jean's favorite location was Spain, where they spent several month-long stays over the years. He particularly enjoyed family vacations with his beloved Jean and sons, Eric and Bruce. Their special jaunts out west and camping adventures lit a spark in both boys, who grew to love nature, travel, and adventure in much the same way.

Sam's grandchildren treasure their memories of trips to visit him and Jean in Ft. Lauderdale (where they resided from 1984-2014), playing 5-way solitaire and "high stakes poker" with them; and their visits back to Cincinnati, where going to the zoo, attending their sports events, and playing Pinochle marathons were true highlights. In recent years, Sam often said, "I've had a great life. I've been very fortunate. And the best thing I ever did was marry the love of my life, Jean."

Burial arrangements have been made at Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Sam's honor to Mercy Health Anderson Hospital Foundation, 7500 State Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45255.