Obituary of Samuel D Tropello

Samuel D. Tropello, age 79 of Readington Township, died peacefully at his home, “White Oak Farm”, on Saturday, March 4, 2023.

Born in San Bernardino, California, he was the son of the late Angelo Michael and Ruth (Hinrichs) Tropello.

Sam grew up in Bergen County before moving to Readington Township over 45 years ago.

He earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stevens Institute of Technology and was an engineer with Bell Labs and AT&T throughout his career.

Generous with his time and talents, he garnered many close friends and adopted relatives, many of whom have claimed him as second dad or grandfather, to whom he enjoyed giving “Samisms”.  He also was involved in politics and served on both the Readington Township Committee, and the Board of Adjustments.  He was a volunteer Readington Recreation youth soccer coach for many years and played basketball and softball on town teams. 

Sam was a member of Stanton Ridge Country Club since its inception, and golf was always his passion.  He loved his farm, woods, nature, travel and yes, Elvis!  In his later years he enjoyed playing pickle ball, and as a genuine kid at heart, loved all games.  He was an avid Yankee and Giants fan but his true enjoyment as a spectator was while watching his grandkids activities and sports.

He both adored and admired his 3 children and never missed an event in their lives.  He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Dr. Paula Grace Dunn Tropello, his daughter, Jennifer Smith and her husband, Patrick of Charleston, West Virginia; his two sons, Bradford Tropello, Esq. and his fiancé, Selena Heningburg of FL, and Dr. Steven Tropello, M.D.  and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth Logsdon of Baltimore; his brother, David Tropello and his wife, Daria of Morris Plains and his eight cherished grandchildren, Natalie, Benjamin, Keith, Anna, James, Winnie, Catherine, and Beatrice.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 10:30 to 12:30 at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, NJ 08888.

A brief service will be held at 12:30 and his body will be laid to rest in rural Virginia.

Donations would be appreciated to any of the following: The Whitehouse Rescue Squad at PO Box 175, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, The Whitehouse Fire Company at PO Box 215, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, The Readington Twp. Police Department, PBA Local 317 at 507 County Rt. 523, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, or to The Whitehouse United Methodist Church at PO Box 190, Whitehouse, NJ 08888.