Salvatore Patti Jr.

Salvatore “Sam” Patti, Jr., 93, of Lewes, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026, at Brandywine Seaside Point Assisted Living in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Born May 28th, 1932, in New Brunswick, NJ, he was the son of the late Salvatore Patti, Sr. and Josephine Boscia Patti. Growing up as the son of first generation Italian immigrants, Sam lived in a humble neighborhood profoundly affected by the great depression. It was then that he learned that everything he had was a gift and continued that spirit of gratitude for the rest of his life.

After high school, Sam spent a year at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ before enlisting in the military. Sam joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and eventually served as an aircraft performance engineer on the B-36 "Peacemaker” and separated as a First Lieutenant in 1957. After the military, he graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Applied Mathematics. He spent the majority of his career proudly in the aviation industry until his retirement from Sikorsky Aircraft in 1993.

Throughout the years, he offered his gifts and talents to several programs. He enjoyed singing in Barbershop quartets and choruses for many years, coaching his children’s soccer teams, serving the Gideons International, and the Baybridge Landing HOA in Destin, Florida. Truly a servant at heart, he spent many years supporting and lovingly caring for his wife, Claire, as she navigated various health issues. His greatest joy, however, came from becoming a believer in Jesus Christ. Through his love for Jesus, he endeavored to be a man of selflessness, integrity, and unwavering kindness. In addition to a servant, he was an open-hearted and fiery patriot who loved this country and displayed his support by writing opinion pieces that were frequently published in the local paper.

He is survived by his son Marc (Christie) Patti; daughter, Stephanie (John) Wuschner; Grandchildren: Marc (Becky) Anderson, Alyson (Timothy) Schaffer, Christopher Patti, and Emily (Davis) Clothier as well as six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Claire Ann Patti.

A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held at a later date; TBD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Sam to the Gideons International or Wounded Warriors.