Samuel 'Chief' Woncheck, 74, of Fallowfield Twp., passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in the comfort of his home. Born on December 29, 1951, he was the son of the late Samuel and Vicki (Ostrzycki) Woncheck.

He was a member of St. Mary's Anglican Church and was a graduate of Charleroi High School, California University of PA and Beaver County CC, with degrees in Secondary Education, Police Science/Technology and Criminal Justice.

He served the Fallowfield Township Municipal Police Dept for 30 years, retiring as Chief of Police in 2003. He was also the Director of Security/Chief of School Police for the Charleroi Area School District(2004-2009), Director of the Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program for Kaplan Career Institute(2009-2014), and was a Master Instructor for the Municipal Police Officer's Education and Training Commission(1980-2016).

He was a life member and Past Fire Chief of the Fallowfield Township Volunteer Fire Company and was the founder and commander of the Mon Valley Divers, Rescue Search and Recovery Team. He was an avid trap shooter, as a member of the Rostraver Sportsman and Conservation Association, serving as the Chairman of the Trap Committee and he was an ham radio enthusiast as a member of the Monessen Amateur Radio Club.

His most cherished activity was spending time with his family and friends at their cabin, “Camp Grasshopper”, where they hunted, fished and enjoyed each other's company.

Sam is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ruth (Sterner) Woncheck; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Leslie Woncheck, of Fallowfield Twp.; grandchildren, Nora and Keith; uncle, Steve 'Jigs' Ostrzycki; his cats, Igor and Inky; and will be sadly missed by several cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, a niece, a nephew and countless friends.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm on Monday, April 13 in the CARL J. SPALLINO FUNERAL HOME. A firefighter's “Last Call” service will be conducted at 8pm in the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 11 am on Tuesday, in the funeral home, with a Police and Fire Company procession following to the Fallowfield Township Volunteer Fire Company Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fallowfield Township Volunteer Fire Company, 1660 Rt 481, Charleroi, PA 15022.