Samuel G. Tarsha

Samuel G. Tarsha, 85, of Maumee, Ohio passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born in Toledo on August 13, 1939, to George and Catherine (Chester) Tarsha.

Sam was named “Boy of the Year” and “Athlete of the Year” at the Boys Club in 1954. He graduated from Woodward High School, where his lifelong love of drumming began. Sam was a fixture in the Toledo rock and roll scene in the late 1950s and early ’60s, performing with several bands including The Raging Storms, and recording hits like The Dribble Twist.  His bands opened for Jerry Lee Lewis, Chubby Checker, and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. He continued playing throughout the ’60s and ’70s. 

Sam began working at Libbey-Owens-Ford in the 1970s, but spent most of his career at Jeep, retiring in 2004. Retirement reignited his musical passion—he revived The Storms and played shows around Toledo, continuing drum lessons into his 80s. He also loved watching his son Chris play hockey, traveling across North America to cheer him on.

Sam is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Tarsha (Clifton); his children Chris (Melissa) Tarsha and Elizabeth Eggers; his grandchildren and sister, Georgetta (Nick) Tarsha. He also leaves behind many family and friends who will remember his rhythm, heart, and humor.  In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by brothers, Lewis Tarsha and George "Toufie" Tarsha. 

Family and friends will be received at the Newcomer Funeral Home (SW Chapel), 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., on Wednesday July 9, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 10:30am at St Joseph Catholic Church,104 W. Broadway St,  Maumee with burial at Calvary Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.