Obituary of Samuel Vidnovic, Jr.

Samuel Vidnovic Jr. was born on February 11, 1945 to the late Sam “Pop” and Dorothy “Gram” Vidnovic. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bert Vidnovic (JoAnne). Sam was the proud father of two incredible daughters, Tracy Vidnovic (Scott) and the late Kerry Vidnovic (Ryan) who he raised with Franki Vidnovic. Sam was the beloved “Grampy” to Samantha (Ian) and Jackson, and if you ever met him, even once, you would probably already know that. Sam took every opportunity he had, to share stories about all of his kids to anyone who would listen. To say he was a proud Dad and Grampy is an understatement. Sam was a loving uncle to his wonderful nieces, Stephanie Young and Sharon Watson and their families. He was a treasured cousin, neighbor, and dear friend to many. Growing up in Port Vue, PA, Sam always had a love of sports and was an exceptional baseball player. Sam enjoyed cheering for the Pittsburgh Pirates with Tracy, the New York Yankees with Kerry, and the Pittsburgh Steelers with Samantha, but his most cherished team to follow was the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sam had many hobbies throughout the years including watching sports, golfing, and attending classic car shows, but above all, he enjoyed spending his free time with the family dogs. From Snoopy and Buster to Red, Milo, and Stella, he always had a special place in his heart for the pups. Sam spent many, many years working in the retail industry throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland, and he never traveled without a bag of trail mix or a KitKat bar. He was intelligent and extremely hardworking. Spending time in many different malls and stores helped grow his love of buying various nicknacks, even if he didn’t know how to use them. He loved asking Tracy or Samantha, and then eventually Scott or Ian, to help him with yet another “project” to get these gadgets working again. Sam thought the world of his family and will be remembered by his booming laugh and his great-big hugs. He truly believed that everything his kids and grandkids did was “terrific.” Sam was always one to put his family first and make sure they had everything they needed - and wanted. He continues to make us all smile through the memories he leaves behind in funny emails, thoughtful handwritten notes, and lots of special photos. Although Sam experienced significant loss and hardships throughout his life, he was always a prideful, loving, and courageous man. Sam was a brave fighter up until his very last day. Samuel Vidnovic Jr., of Bridgeville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 19th at St. Clair Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. As a family, we would like to extend a grateful and heartfelt thank you to his compassionate team of nurses and doctors at St. Clair Hospital. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Sam will be held at a later date when we can safely gather together to remember our wonderful Dad and Grampy who will be greatly missed. Please consider collecting your fondest memories of Sam to share with his family at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sam’s honor under the “St. Clair Hospital Fund.” All gifts will be directed to programs that are current Hospital priorities. https://www.stclair.org/giving/give-now/