Salvatore A. Ventimiglia, 77, of Harrison Township, Michigan, died on September 22, 2020 surrounded by his family and treasured companion, Peanut. With a smile that could light up the whole room, Sal was loved by all who knew him. His commitment to family, faith, heritage, country and tradition served as the hallmarks of his dignified life. Sal was many things to many people: husband, brother, son, uncle, Godfather, brother-in-law, neighbor and friend. He graciously accepted each role and lived it with the utmost sense of duty, responsibility and, most importantly, love.
He will be missed by so many. Sal was the beloved husband of the late Charlene ‘Charlie’ Ventimiglia. Devoted son of the late Sara and Jack Ventimiglia. Cherished brother of Angie D’Aleo Morelli (the late Tony D'Aleo and late William A. Morelli Sr.), Anthony (Beth), Jack (Brigid) and Joe (Joanne ‘Tiny’) Ventimiglia. Dear brother-in-law of Jay (Diana) Hallifield and the late Mary (Robert) Kohlhorst. Proud uncle of Jack, Angela (Joe) Cipriano, Anthony (Elena), Nick (Mary), Joey (Jessica), Jack (Mary-Kate), Dr. Jaclyn (Dr. Bob) Standring, Sara (Ryan) Schmuldt and Brandon Hallifield. Caring Godfather of Jack D’Aleo and Joey Ventimiglia. Loving great uncle of Antonino, Luciano, Joseph III, Antonio, Ava, Brooklynn, Ryanne, Anthony, Giovanni, Kensington, Beckett, Grant, Luke, Scarlett and Sofia.
Born in 1942, as the oldest son of the late Jack and Sara Ventimiglia, Sal was more than just a brother to his young siblings. He was so much more. He was the strength, mentor and stability that only someone like Sal could provide. His devotion to keeping his siblings and family bonded together in the absence of their irreplaceable father was perhaps his greatest cause. He loved so deeply, and the impact of his fervent guidance can be seen far into the lives of his nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Notre Dame High School and proceeded to Lawrence Tech University where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Management and Marketing. During his college years, he spent a long and successful career in the men’s clothing industry. It was a career he shared with his young brothers, and one which would later manifest into his dream company.
As a man of great duty and reverence for our country, Sal proudly served in Vietnam during 1966 through 1968 with the United States Army 525th Intelligence Division. He served in the Armed Forces during the “Tet” offense as a Military Intelligence Advisor to the Vietnamese Forces in the Mekong Delta. Sal was a decorated Vietnam veteran; awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Military Merit. The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or significant meritorious service.
After returning from his tour of duty in Vietnam, Sal served as President of Marketing and Finance for Valente’s Men’s Formal Wear Inc. He later went on to serve as the successful president and CEO of his own Men’s wear company, Sal Venti’s Men’s Wear, Inc. With his keen attention to detail and quality, he always presented himself as a sharp-dressed, proud man. He was the epitome of class.
Throughout his lifetime, Sal was actively involved in various civic and charitable organizations. He was an active member in the Knights of Columbus- DeLaSalle Council, Northwest Macomb Chamber of Commerce, Italian American Cultural Society, Michigan State Heritage Council, President of the Riverland Merchants Association and President of the Columbus Day Celebration Committee. Sal was also a devoted patron of Father Solanus Casey’s legacy and the Solanus Casey Center.
As a proud metro-Detroiter, Sal remained a passionate supporter of Detroit sports up until the very end. Sal rarely missed a Lions’ game and made a lasting impact on the organization. He was loved by all in the Lions family and developed lifelong friendships from within it. He joyously watched the season opener with those close to him. The smile never left his face as he ate a hot dog and laughed about the prospect of the Lions winning it all.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.; with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Rd., Clinton Twp., MI. Funeral mass to take place at 12:00 p.m. (11:30 a.m. In State) Saturday, September 26, 2020 at St. Hubert's Catholic Church, 38755 Prentiss, Harrison Twp., MI.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Salvatore Ventimiglia may do so by making a contribution to:
Solanus Casey Center
Attn: Fr. David Preuss, Director
1780 Mount Elliott Street
Detroit, MI 48207
Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb, Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center
1080 Harrington Boulevard
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
