Reuben E. Sumpter, Jr.

Reuben E. Sumpter Jr. was the son of Reuben E. Sumpter, Sr. and Annie Mae Sumpter and the eldest of fourteen children, of East Liberty Pennsylvania.

Reuben was a man of many hats and a momma’s boy to say the least.

Reuben was “A Good Samaritan with a strong Christian faith who not only served the Lord but lived everyday by doing his work in service to others. He truly lived his life by practicing what he preached.

A graduate of Westinghouse High School, nicknamed “Southpaw” for his boxing and wrestling techniques, emulating and favoring after his favorite boxer Muhammed Ali, throughout the neighborhood. At the same time going around selling his mother’s famous sweet potato and apple pies out of the famous” Sumpter “store on Lincoln and Larimer in East Liberty.

A power house in his youth and a force to be reckoned, Reuben would eventually go on to become a community activist and philanthropist. A was truly a man of God and became a founding member of East Liberty Lutheran Church for 37 years providing services such as security, custodial and maintenance duties. Most of all her relished in his position as chef. The “Chili Man” who faithfully, every Wednesday, would cook chili and feed the homeless or help anyone in need. Rather it was clothing, furniture, food or other necessities, and resources or dressing up as “Santa Claus” for holidays or special occasions. He always did something for someone in need or the people closest to his heart. Spreading love, That was just Reuben-That’s who he was.

Reuben served with United action and Acorn knocking on doors and handling out pamphlets, illustrating and orchestrating voters rights for equality and change. He soared in making a difference for Pittsburgh Positive Young Peoples Association  (PPYP). Reuben worked on several campaigns, whether it was donating his time and effort towards a greater cause or lending himself to organizations and corporations to make a difference, such as the Obama campaign, Mayor Bill Peduto or State Rep. Ed Gainey.

In the end Reuben stood out tall. He touched many people’s lives and if you crossed his path then you were blessed to know him.

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