Mr. Salvatore Anthony Lovaglio affectionately known as Sal, was the youngest born child to Reubano “Benny” and Bernadetta “Bessie” Lovaglio on July 26th, 1941 in Harlem, NY. Along with his parents, his siblings, Grace, Rose “Chubby”, Carmela & Joseph “Joey” all preceded him in death. His sister, Josephine is his only surviving sibling. He laid his head to rest on Friday, December 6th, 2019 at Long Island Jewish Hospital in New Hyde Park, NY.
Sal received his GED from night school while working as an auto mechanic. Sal retired from AA Trucking about 12 years ago, where he worked as a diesel truck mechanic for the milk company. Sal had been elected shop steward for his Union, Teamster, Local 584, where he was very involved from the beginning up until he retired.
At a young age, Sal married and had three sons, Benny, Sal and Joe. This relationship didn’t last, and his children moved to California with their mother. Then, Sal met Bettie and they were together over 50 years. They have 6 children, Tracy, Larry (Sophie), Rose (Steve), Anthony (Shameeka), Michael (Thea) and Elizabeth (Wayne).
Sal loved his family first and foremost. When he wasn’t busy working (6 days a week, 10-hour shifts and side jobs), he spent his time with family and friends. Sunday is family day, a tradition that continues to this day. He was a spiritual man, who raised his kids in the Catholic faith. He loved to fish, drag race, play cards and board games, work on cars and play music. Sal loved to root for his home teams, especially the NY Yankees & NY Giants. Christmas was his favorite holiday, which he started many family traditions. Sal was big on respect, morals, principles, values, work ethic and Unions. He was a great Dad who was a devoted provider and protector of anyone he loved. Along with their children, Sal and Bettie always had a house full of kids. They were foster parents for child welfare, as well as an emergency placement home. All their children would bring friends home and hang out in the house. Everyone was always welcome to come over and there were always extra seats at the table. No matter who you were, if you were hungry, you could always get a meal. Sal was more than a father to his children; he was a father figure to anyone who needed or wanted one. He would talk to or teach anyone he thought needed someone. He would always say, “You are only as good as your word. Without your word, you have nothing.” And he was always willing to lend a hand.
In addition to Sal’s parents and siblings who preceded him in death, his son - Benny, Grandson -Ronald and 1 Angel Great Granddaughter; as well as many other loved ones preceded him in death.
Sal leaves to cherish him, his wife, Bettie; 8 of his children; 18 grandchildren – Linda, Lisa, Kristina, Nicole, Kevin, Jeff, Shawn, Eriq, Aliah, Marcus M., Madison, Amara, AJ, Marcus L., Tiana, Tanai, Reubano, Kendra; 11 great grandchildren; his sister Josephine; many nieces and nephews; mother-in-law; several brother & sister in-laws; daughter & son in-laws; as well as many people who loved him as a father. There are so many that we cannot name them all, but you all held a special place in Sal’s life.
May Sal sleep in peace after living such a blessed and fulfilled life.
And what A Wonderful Life It Was!!!
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