Samuel Matthew Levine
April 11, 2006 - December 16, 2025

SAMUEL (SAM) LEVINE: Passed away in his sleep surrounded by love in his home on December 16, 2025 at the age of 19 years, following a courageous 19 month battle with DIPG, a rare and aggressive brain tumor.

Sam was the beloved son of Stephen Levine and Kara Levine, and the cherished twin brother of Leah Levine. He was a deeply loved grandson of Rosalind and Farrel Levine, Michael and Pamela Levinson, and Suzanne and Carl Zittrer. Sam was also treasured by his aunts, uncles, cousins, a large extended family, many many friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Sam graduated from Upper St. Clair high school with high honors one month after his DIPG diagnosis. With initial intentions of attending Ohio State University on a Buckeye scholarship, after his diagnosis, Sam decided to attend the University of Pittsburgh, finally giving in to his love of Pitt since early childhood.

Sam loved watching and playing sports, had a true passion for life, and felt an extraordinary love for the people in his orbit. He valued friendships deeply and had a rare ability to make others feel seen, supported, and included. Whether in the school hallways, with his teammates and classmates, or simply spending time with friends, Sam thrived on connection and community. His kindness, determination, quiet humor, mischievous smile, easy laugh, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Sam faced his illness with remarkable courage, strength, and grace. Even in the most difficult moments, he remained thoughtful, resilient, and deeply himself, inspiring those around him by the way he lived and loved. Sam will be remembered always for his generous spirit, his unwavering determination, and the love he gave so freely. Sam will be profoundly missed and forever loved.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025, preceded by family visitation from 12:00-1:00 pm, at Temple Emanuel of South Hills (Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/5326774310), followed by Interment at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Mount Lebanon, PA. Shiva will be held from 5:30-8:00 pm on Saturday, December 20th at Temple Emanuel, and on Sunday, December 21st at the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sam's memory may be made to ChadTough, supporting research and families impacted by DIPG: https://chadtough.org/donate/. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. www.schugar.com

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My heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the entire Levine family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this immensely difficult and challenging time

By Robbie Shoup - January 05, 2026

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Sam was a delightful, thoughtful and courageous young man. I am so grateful to have been part of his journey. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him, and especially for his dear family. You are all in my prayers.

By Kimberly June - December 21, 2025

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My heart goes out to all who loved this fine young man.

By Jeff Mudrick - December 21, 2025

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I’m a former student of Mr. Levine’s. I never met his son, but I’m truly sorry to hear of his passing. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

By USC Graduate- Class of 2008 - December 21, 2025

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I am in the same bowling league as Farrell, I am a neurologist at Allegheny General Hospital. I cannot imagine the pain your entire family is feeling. I lost a child of three days of age who likely did not suffer. I can’t even think about how this boy suffered. I’m glad he had his family around him

By George Small - December 21, 2025

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I don't know why this appeared on my FB feed. That does not matter - sending condolences for your horrible loss. Incredibly awful disease - so unfair. May his memory always be a light to you.

By David Lubell - December 20, 2025

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Sam\'s visits to Virginia Beach were always a bright spot and so Memorable for Sam\'s wide smile, wry sense of humor, and genuine interest in the people he met while he was there. My heart is broken for everyone who knew him and moreso for those who were deprived of the chance to meet him in the short time he was on this earth. My deepest sympathies to Kara, Steve, Leah and their entire family. I know his memory will live on through everyone who was lucky enough to be inspired by him.

By Bretta Z Lewis - December 20, 2025

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Condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing ❤️

By Beth - December 20, 2025

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We are so sorry to hear about Sam’s passing. His strength and bravery are inspirational and will continue to be inspirational. Its young hero’s like Sam, who in the face of incredible odds, fight on, that will one day defeat DIPG. We will always remember Sam, and the simple fact that during his time here, he made the world a better place.

By Mark, Stacey and Zackery Senediak - December 19, 2025

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Mr. Levine coached our son in cross country at Fort Couch. He was kind, supportive and fun for these young people. Just the kind of man you want influencing your children. I am incredibly sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

By Heddaeus Family - December 19, 2025

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I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Sam personally. I was made aware of Sam’s courageous battle through a friend. There are simply no words for this, that Sam’s life was cut short when it was just beginning. My heart goes out to his family.

By Lori Manalo - December 19, 2025

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Our heartfelt sympathy for the Levine family. Sending prayers and love. ❤️🖤❤️🖤

By George, Michelle and Max Urban - December 19, 2025

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I had the privilege of working with Steve at USC and having both Sam and Leah as students. I cannot help but think how lucky Sam was to have Steve and Kara as his parents and Leah for his sister. I am heartbroken 💔 for your loss.

By Sue Fleckenstein - December 18, 2025

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Our hearts are broken for your family. Sam was deeply loved, and his loss is felt far beyond what words can express. Knowing him through Kort, we saw the kindness, warmth, and friendship he brought into the lives of those around him. He mattered deeply, and he always will. I also want you to know how profoundly moved and saddened my daughter Lyla is by this loss. Stephen Levine has been her teacher, and through that connection, this tragedy has touched her heart in a very personal way. She holds you and your family close in her thoughts, with great respect and compassion. There is no greater sorrow than losing a child. While words can never ease that pain, please know that Sam’s life and spirit live on through the many lives he touched. Our family is holding you in our hearts, wishing you strength, comfort, and peace during this unimaginable time.

By Erika Walker - December 18, 2025

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I was so deeply sorry to hear about Sam. My son had the privilege of coaching him in lacrosse and often shared so many wonderful things about your Sam, his character, his kindness and the impact he had on those around him. Please know that your family is so close in our hearts and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

By Trella Family - December 18, 2025

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Ros, so sorry for your tragic loss.

By Mary Ann Kirsch - December 18, 2025

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My deepest sympathy to you and your family. There are no words which are sufficient for such a difficult loss. Reading about Sam’s courage and charisma paints an incredible story for the way he lived. I hope you find peace in the memories and experiences others share in his honor. My thoughts are with your family.

By Buff Shuttleworth - December 18, 2025

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Prayers coming from the Vasilko family. I loved playing lacrosse with him. Always so outgoing and had a smile on his face all the time.

By AJ Vasilko - December 18, 2025

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Sam was one of my first friends I made at temple Emmanuel and he always lit up the room when he walked in every Sunday morning. No matter how tired or annoyed I seemed he was always cracking jokes and hanging out with me just to cheer me up. Although initially I never wanted to go to Sunday school, knowing I would get to see Sam and hang out with my good friend always put a smile on my face. Love you Sam ❤️

By Jack safferstein - December 18, 2025

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So heartbroken to hear this. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending so much love to your family, Rest in Peace Sam. ❤️

By Haley Coe - December 18, 2025

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I am so saddened to learn of Sam’s death. I remember the wonderful friendship with Farrel and Shelly. Vicki and I send our love to all of you. Lenny Eisenfeld 126 Clifton Ave West Hartford ,CT 06107

By Lenny Eisenfeld - December 17, 2025

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Love that kid man, you guys did so well. He continues to inspire me, be strong for him.

By Beck Shields - December 17, 2025

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My sincerest deepest sympathy and heartfelt feelings for all. Allyson

By Allyson J. OConnor - December 17, 2025

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Truly an exemplary student - It takes an incredibly special person to leave such an impactful legacy at a heartbreakingly young age. His kindness & determination will live on through his family, friends, and the USC community. Que en paz descanse 🙏🏻

By Señora Lee - December 17, 2025

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So incredibly sorry to hear this. Thinking of you all right now and sending all my love. Rest in peace, Sam.

By Anna DiPasquale - December 17, 2025

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So sorry to hear about this. Meagan Krasner/Nashawaty, my mother broke the news yesterday and I wanted to reach out myself as well. I still remember visiting your house as a child and playing with Sam and Leah, talking about the Steelers, playing football in the backyard. So heartbroken to see this happen to your family and my heart is with you all.

By Simon Krasner - December 17, 2025

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Sam was such a bright light to everyone he met and an incredible friend and classmate

By Hunter Maher - December 17, 2025

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