Samuel ‘Sam’ Scerbo, 90, born January 8, 1934 in Jersey City, N.J., passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2024. Sam devoted his life to his family, friends, his local community and the education field where he made a career as a teacher. He loved people and was the happiest when he was with family and friends.

Sam graduated Snyder High School in Jersey City, earned his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University and his graduate degree from Jersey City State College.

His passion for helping kids led him to pursue a career in teaching. He began to teach in Jersey City at Lincoln High School. Upon moving out of Jersey City and down the shore to Oceanport, N.J. over 50 years ago, he got a job in Neptune at the Junior High School. He ultimately ended up teaching at Shore Regional High School for many years until his retirement in 1994. Sam loved his students wherever he taught and took great pride in hearing how so many of them loved and admired him back. During his teaching career, Sam also had a love for coaching sports, such as basketball, golf and swimming. In addition, while at Shore Regional, he ran the Key Club and received the Teacher of the Year award.

Aside from teaching, Sam also worked for over 50 years at Monmouth Park Racetrack as a teller during the summer live meet (while teaching) and ultimately, worked year-round during simulcasting after his retirement from teaching. He established many long-lasting and close friendships from his time at Monmouth Park that he treasured throughout his life.

The community of Oceanport was very important to Sam. He participated in volunteer programs, coached youth baseball for many years and was part of a small group that set-up and ran the Oceanport Youth Basketball program. His time as a coach of kids were some of the best memories he had.

A smile was brought to Sam’s face when visiting with his children and grandchildren, playing golf, doing crossword puzzles, watching sports and talking about his time teaching.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Constantina Scerbo, and his siblings, his brother Anthony Scerbo and his sister, Phyllis (Scerbo) Lagrotteria.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Barbara, his daughter, Mary Scerbo Shea (Robert), and his sons Christopher and Michael (Jami). He is also survived by his greatest gift, his adored and loved grandchildren, for which he was very proud: Kelli Wolansky (Harrison), Gabriella Scerbo, Michael Scerbo Jr. and Lucas Scerbo. He also leaves behind many loved and cherished nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch, NJ 07740. A funeral Mass will be offered on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 10am at St. Dorothea’s Roman Catholic Church, 240 Broad Street, Eatontown, N.J. 07724. All friends should go directly to the church. Interment will follow the Mass at Woodbine Cemetery & Mausoleum, 14 Maple Ave. Oceanport, N.J. 07757. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Sam’s name to either the Oceanport Volunteer First Aid & Rescue Squad or the Oceanport PBA #364. Repast to follow. For condolences, please visit Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home at www.wbhfh.com.