Sam Sabback

Julius Nickolas Sabback, better known as Sam, 86, of Bucyrus died quietly Monday morning, February 26, 2018 after years of declining health. Sam was Bucyrus’ town uncle, so to speak, a friend to everyone and a mentor to generations.



He was born March 15, 1931 in Bucyrus to the late Nickolas E. and Pauline S. (Nelson) Sabback. Sam graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1949 where he was active in the band and was his class vice president. He went on to work as a bookkeeper and accountant along with operating the family confection business. He remained an active tax preparer until his health and computerization no longer allowed him to do so.



Sam will be remembered as a generous and supportive member of the Bucyrus and Crawford County Community. He was a longtime member of the Bucyrus Community Band and played with several the area’s community bands. He also had a passion for the game of tennis, giving lessons to countless community members for over 40 years. The community courts built on the campus of Bucyrus High School were named in his honor along with the Sam Sabback Tennis Invitational. He also loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Indians. He was in the inaugural Bucyrus Schools Hall of Fame class and a former Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.



Sam is survived by two nieces, Nikkie Mullins and Trudy Mullins and their families in California; his cousin, Eugene L. Hunt and family: Michael (Cheryl Craft) Hunt, Kathy Hunt, and Sandy (Paul) Saunders; and many dear friends including his weekend coffee buddies, Jack Hewitt, Tom Naftzger, Chuck Tidaback, Roger Whiteamire, and David Koepke.



He was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Leffler and Kathryn Mullins Dent; cousin, Sarah Hunt; and his canine companion, Sambo.



Friends may gather at Oakwood Cemetery on Wednesday, February 28 at 2:00 pm for Sam’s graveside funeral with Mike Corwin officiating.



Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to the Humane Society Serving Crawford County or a charity of the donor’s choice and given through Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Memories and photos can be shared on Sam’s Tribute Wall.