Our beloved Jeffrey Kent Schambach lost his four-year battle with addiction on Thursday, August 30th just one month after his 24th birthday. A fatal dosage of fentanyl and synthetic heroin proved too much for even the strong young body of this incredibly disciplined athlete. Despite his gifted honor roll academic career at Uniontown High School and his lettering in both Football and Track as both a Junior and Senior, he fell victim to this drug that did not care that he came from a most generous, beautiful and loving family.

He fought valiantly his addiction and worked hard to make a real life, hitting the weight room religiously, and never missing a days work. He was always by nature punctual, dependable, and reliable. And he succumbed to his addiction without ever resorting to any other criminality.

Always generous to a fault, he masked the pain of his addiction with a ready smile, a unique chuckle, and a naive wide-eyed innocence.

Born in the mountains of Colorado, he felt a real love of the mountains and rivers of Fayette County but longed to visit the Rockies as often as possible. His young hopes of studying criminal justice were thwarted early on by his falling prey to addiction. He worked hard to overcome his chemical dependencies through every measure available. He put himself into twelve-step programs, and rehabs, but unfortunately nothing seemed a match for these heartless chemicals.

We want everyone to know that he was not some slovenly, stereotype of addiction but a handsome disciplined boy who was always quick with a smile, a kind word, a loving sweet and generous gesture to his siblings and his dearest younger cousins, Abigail, Lilly, Juliet, and Maurlee. He gave great hugs and was never embarrassed to show his love and affection. Sadly, despite his outward appearance, this addiction was often hiding in plain sight.

We hope fervently that his loss can be a wake-up call to his friends and peers many of whom are suffering with similar addictions. We also hope an unjust system of justice can stop criminalizing addiction and begin concentrating on treating this medical epidemic.

Jeffrey's big heart and generous sweet soul will leave a huge void in the hearts of his parents Laura Sohonage Schambach and Leroy Schambach, his younger sister Gabrielle and younger brother Alec, along with Aunts, Uncles, and beloved cousins who cannot yet comprehend his loss.

May his soul now find peace and joy until we can one day be reunited.

Friends will be received in the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home Inc., 603 N. Gallatin Ave., Ext., Uniontown, PA, on Tuesday, September 4, from 2 to 8 p.m.

A Memorial Mass will be held, Wednesday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. in Church of The Immaculate Conception, E. Crawford Ave., Connellsville, PA, with Rev. Father Bob Lubic as Celebrant.