Salvatore DeVito

Born on January 30, 1935, in Newark, New Jersey, Sal was the son of the late Gennaro and Mae (Sommese) DeVito. He grew up in Newark and went on to graduate from Barringer High School in 1953, where he was a member of the football team. Sal was a man with a love for life who cherished his family and friendships above all else. He was devoted to his family, who were the center of his life and his greatest source of pride.

Sal had a gift for storytelling, often sharing great memories from “the days,” and was rarely seen without a smile. He deeply enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, especially spending time at his home down the shore, where he created lasting memories with his family and close group of lifelong friends. Whether fishing, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a glass of red wine or a cosmopolitan, Sal embraced every moment.

Sal proudly served his community as a police officer with the Newark Police Department. Beyond his service, he was deeply involved in union leadership, serving in several roles including Business Manager of Local 1412 for approximately 20 years. He was known for leading with humor and always working toward fair and positive outcomes.

Sal was preceded in death by his son, Gerard DeVito; his beloved parents; his father-in-law and mother in-law, Vito Grasso and Mary (Nappi) Grasso; his brother-in-law, Emidio (Chic) Lonero; and his niece, Sally Ann Salvatoriello.

He is survived by his devoted wife of over 65 years, Carol Ann (Grasso) DeVito; and his loving children: Salvatore DeVito, Jr. and his wife, Denise; Victor DeVito and his wife, Laura; and Margaret Ann Mandato and her husband, Carmine.

He was a proud and cherished grandfather to Salvatore III, Deanna, Samantha, Matthew, Victoria, and Dominic, and a loving great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Genevieve Lonero and his cousin/sidekick Edmund (Eddie) Bimbo.

It is with lasting love that we remember Sal, whose presence brought joy and happiness into the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Committal Service at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ 07031. Please enter the Main Gate of the cemetery and wait in the parking lot to the right. The cemetery will escort us in for the Committal Service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made by planting a tree in Sal’s honor, celebrating his life and the legacy he leaves behind.