Sam DeBlase

Samuel DeBlase, 92, of Bellevue passed away Saturday, June 14, 2025 at The Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky.  He was born November 15, 1932 in Bellevue the son of Angelo and Josephine (Luzio) DeBlase.  

Sam was a 1951 graduate of Bellevue High School where he was an outstanding athlete.  He was the Gazette award winner in 1951.  Sam enjoyed supporting our local Redmen and cheered on his grandchildren and great grandchildren that wore the red and white.  Sam was 2009 inductee into the Bellevue Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Franklin D Roosevelt from 1952-1956.  Following his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Sam returned to Bellevue, working as a supervisor for Ohio road paving, and also worked as a millwright at New Departure.  He owned and operated Sam’s Pizza Cottage in Bellevue for numerous years and also worked for the maintenance department for Bellevue City Schools from 1994-2002.  He had a passion for woodworking and carpentry, building homes.  He was always tinkering with something and was always there to help others.  He also served as basketball coach of the former St. John’s Church basketball team.

He is survived by his three daughters: Faith (Mike) Weber, Laura (Steve) Thompson, and Cathy (Ed) Nasonti, all of Bellevue; 6 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; two brothers, Frank DeBlase and Joe DeBlase of Bellevue; and sister, Angie Schlett of Bellevue.

In addition to his parents, Sam is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly (Long), whom he married on April 5, 1952 in Angola, Indiana; twin sons, Kevin and Keith; and brothers, Charlie and Tony DeBlase.

A memorial service will begin at 11 am on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 209 Southwest Street, Bellevue.  Burial will be at a later date at Bellevue Cemetery.