SAMUEL BJELAC, JR., 82, of Follansbee, WV died peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at Valley Hospice North in Steubenville, OH. Born on June 12, 1941, in Steubenville, OH a son of the late Samuel and Margaret (Chorba) Bjelac, Sr. He graduated from Follansbee High School in 1959, where he was an All State football selection that represented West Virginia in the WV-Ohio All-Star game. Samuel served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War stateside. Sam went on to become a member of USW Local 1190 and retired after 35 years of service with Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corporation B.O.F. in Mingo Junction, OH. He was member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. Sam leaves his loving wife of 54 years, Christina (Tacozza) Bjelac at home; his only son, Samuel Bjelac, III and wife, Michele of Annapolis, MD; two granddaughters, Taylor and Zoe; one sister, Melina Sommers and companion, David Holley of Florida; nieces Recole (Shane) Hastings, Nuncia and Alexandria Sperlazza and devoted nephew Danny Tacozza. Visitation was held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Mullenbach Funeral Home, Follansbee. A mass of Christian burial followed at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Follansbee, with the Rev. Father Gerald Muoka as celebrant. Entombment followws in Highland Hills Memorial Gardens, Follansbee. Full military honors were conducted by the Ohio Valley Veterans Memorial Squad and the Army Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150, Rayland, OH 43943. Condolences may be sent to www.mullenbachfh.com.