Samuel J Lovello

Samuel J. Lovello, 69, of Ruscombmanor Township, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, September 11, 2016 in Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading. He was the loving husband of Paula L. (Geibel) Lovello, whom he married on May 24, 1980.

Born in Reading, Sam was the only child of Joseph S. and Jennie F. (Fierro) Lovello. He was a member of Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Reading, and a 1965 graduate of Reading Senior High School. Sam first attended college at North Carolina State University for two years, where he received his varsity letter in wrestling. He later finished his college education at Kutztown State College, now Kutztown University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, and where he also was a member of the wrestling team. Mr. Lovello was employed by Brandywine Heights Area School District for 31 years, working as a 5th and 6th grade teacher at District Topton Elementary School, and later at Brandywine Heights Middle School, until his retirement in 2009. Prior to teaching at Brandywine Heights, Sam was employed as an Elementary School Teacher by Reading School District, working at several of their elementary schools, for seven years. Sam was also heavily involved with the wrestling program at Brandywine Heights. Known by many as Coach Lovello, Sam was the Head Coach of the Brandywine Heights High School Wrestling Team for 39 years, beginning with the 1974-75 season. He then coached at Wilson High School from 1984-86, but returned to his true home, Brandywine Heights, the following year. During his tenure, Coach Lovello compiled a 533-226-3 record, coached two PIAA Class AA champions and led the Bullets to the PIAA Class AA team title at the 2001 PIAA Wrestling Championships. He was also dedicated to the entire K-12 wrestling program and The Brandywine Heights Bullet Mat Club.

Coach Lovello served as Treasurer of the Berks County Wrestling Coach's Association for many years and was active in the Berks County Interscholastic Athletic Association. Sam was a wrestling Hall-of-Famer, and was inducted into the Berks County, District 3, Pennsylvania, and National Hall-of-Fames for his excellence and dedication to the sport of wrestling. He also volunteered at the Reading School District Multi-Class Get Together, held each year at Evergreen Country Club, Fleetwood. Sam took pride in cars, having been a member of Skyline Drive Corvette Club, Reading, and enjoyed playing poker with his friends, where his competitive nature was immediately apparent. However, one of Sam's real loves in life was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. For the past seven years, there was never a day that went by that Sam didn't talk to or see his two grandkids. His dedication to his family and being able to "bring out the best" in his students and wrestling team as well as being a great mentor to so many, will always be remembered and never forgotten.

Sam is survived by his loving and devoted Wife of 36 years, Paula; and was the loving father of Joey J. Lovello, at home; and Kristi M. (Lovello), wife of Jonathan F. Shuman, Fleetwood; and proud Grandpa of Tyden R. Shuman, Teagan R. Shuman, and was excited about the upcoming birth of his third grandchild in October. He is also survived by his Mother-in-law, Lorraine A. (Archambault) Geibel, Ruscombmanor Township, and Sister-in-law, Janet M. (Geibel) Leis, Laureldale.

A Celebration of Sam's Life will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at 9:00 AM in Brandywine Heights High School Auditorium, 103 Old Topton Road, Mertztown. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale. A viewing will be held on Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the High School Auditorium. The family encourages relatives and friends to write down and comprise their fondest memories of Sam, and bring them along to the visitation as a keepsake for the family. There will not be any calling hours on Saturday morning, however doors will open at 8:00 AM.

The family requests contributions be made in Sam's memory to the Samuel J. Lovello Memorial Fund, c/o Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., P.O. Box 292, Kutztown, PA  19530-0292, to be distributed to local community organizations in the future. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.