Salvatore J. Cacciato

Salvatore John Cacciato, 64, a resident of Lisle, Illinois, passed away suddenly Monday, October 31, 2011. He was born April 30, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. The son of the late Florence and Frank Cacciato, Sal is survived by his adoring wife, Kathleen Jean (nee Bingham); his loving children, FrankyJean, Christopher, Sandra, and Rebecca; his dear brother Frank, Jr. and his wife Kathy and his loving sister Terri; his sibling-in-laws Karen “Cookie” Harvey, the late Robert Harvey, Donna Floerchinger, Linn Floerchinger, Joey “Slugo” Aiello, Mike Scott; Parents-in-law, Thomas Bingham and the late Virginia Bingham; loving nieces and nephews, the late Lauren Cacciato, Frank Cacciato III, Sarah Cacciato, Matthew Cacciato, Gina Cacciato, Angie Charles, David Scott, Samantha Scott, Ryan Harvey, Eden Silver, Breanne Secrist, Tony May and the late Nicholas May; and special loved ones, Nancy Cacciato, Marilyn May, John Taccio, the Aiello Family, the Petruck Family, the Michael Klowas family, the High Seas Scoundrels and so many others too numerous to list.

Sal was a larger than life personality who reached out to all. He was a magnet for friendships and long lasting relationships. To know him for a day was like knowing him forever. His smile, his laughter, his quick wit, his endless teasing made him cherished by all.

Sal was born in Chicago and raised in the 28th and Lowe Bridgeport neighborhood. He attended de LaSalle and Kelly High Schools graduating in 1964. He joined the Air Force in 1966 and proudly served two tours of duty in Vietnam. A decorated veteran, Sal was discharged in 1969 and established his home in San Bernadino California where he studied architecture at San Bernadino State University and created custom wood furniture. He returned to the Chicago-area where he worked as a Master Carpenter for his entire career.

In recent years, Sal worked for Access TCA as a Senior Field Supervisor managing trade show events across the nation. Known affectionately by his coworkers and business associates as “Papa Bear”, the enormous outpouring of grief and condolences speak volumes for this special person. “Sal’s smile lit up any darkened exhibit hall”, “His smile, laughter and genuine heart touched so many in our business”, “a man with a big heart, a warm and infectious laugh and smile and who could move mountains on the show floor” and “My heart is broken” are recurring sentiments expressed by his many business associates from across the country upon learning of his passing. For a complete viewing of the various condolences and memorials, see the website www.exhibitcitynews.com and search for Sal Cacciato.

A Harley-Davidson enthusiast, Sal owned and restored two motorcycles and enjoyed riding every chance he got, from desert-mountain roads to Midwest rural highways. Sal was an outstanding Chef and made an art of entertaining relatives and friends, not only with his culinary specialties, but his gift of humor, affinity for good times, and his unceasing hospitality and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests your loving prayers and donations to the National MS Society (http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/salcacciato) or the Edward Foundation of Edward Hospital, Naperville, IL.