Sam Tamburri

Sam Tamburri, 80, formerly of Newark, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026. 

Sam grew up in the Vailsburg section of Newark, New Jersey and attended Vailsburg High School before enlisting in the United States Navy. He later moved to Belleville before settling in Cedar Grove, where he lived for many years. Sam spent many years working for the United States Post Office in Cedar Grove and also at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Sam was a proud and loving man who was known for his warm personality and great sense of humor. He had a way of making everyone around him laugh and feel welcome. Sam was truly everyone’s friend, and to know him was to love him. He loved spending time with friends and family and was happiest when surrounded by the people he cared about. Above all else, Sam adored his grandchildren, Gia and Mark Jr., who were the light of his life, and he never missed one of their dance or sporting events. He will always be remembered for his strength, kindness, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Devoted father of Dina Cerulli and her husband Mark.  Cherished “Pop Pop” to Gia Cerulli and Mark Cerulli, Jr.  Dear brother of Nancy Despenzire.  Loving uncle of Jerry Cignarella, his wife Christine, Michael Cignarella, Angela Gemma, her husband Michael, and Donna Pescatore.  Also survived by many godchildren, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Sam was pre-deceased by his parents Angelo and Phyllis Tamburri, his sister Mary Cignarella, and his brother-in-law’s Dominick Despenzire and Jerry Cignarella.   

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Monday, March 9th from 4-7pm.  Funeral on Tuesday, March 10th, assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 10am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sam’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, see donation box below for details…..

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