SALVATORE "SAL" LaCAUSE

LaCAUSE SALVATORE S. LaCAUSE, JR., age 67. Died peacefully March 3, 2017 at home surrounded by his dedicated wife, children, grandchildren and his faithful four-legged companion, Mary. Beloved and loving husband of Bonnie (nee Sanders), loving father of Marita Gore (Mark) and Salvatore III (Annie Porchowsky); stepfather of Craig Lustek (Julie Schaub), and Rachel Pope (John) and cherished "Papa" to his grandchildren Anthony, Andrew, Sadie, Sal IV, Tyler and Emily. Dearest son of the late Salvatore Sr. and Janet (nee Calvert). Dear brother of Renee Argenio. Also survived by nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Sal was a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio. At age 17, he enlisted in the US Army and dutifully served in Vietnam. He served in the 101st Airborne Division & 82nd Airborne Division, and was awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation along with many other medals. He was extremely proud and honored to serve his country. Sal's career began in 1970 with Ohio Bell Telephone Company. He was a proud member of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 4302, Akron, Ohio, and was eventually elected President where he served until becoming a CWA Representative in the District 4 office in 1994. There he advanced to the position of Assistant to the Vice President before retiring in 2008. He was a man who represented the working people of this country unrelentingly, fighting every day to ensure they had a voice. During his career, he negotiated multiple contracts for thousands of hard working men and women across 5 states to ensure fair wages, benefits and safe working conditions. He was a tenacious negotiator and earned the respect of everyone on both sides of the bargaining table. His word was his bond. Sal was also an entrepreneur and started his own business, J&S Tree Company. Sal lived life to the fullest. There was no doubt, he was the life of the party. Sal was the first and last on the dance floor, the first to buy a round of drinks and dinner for friends. His loyalty to his friends and those he loved was unsurpassed. Sal was a mentor and confidante to many and his advice was priceless and always peppered with humor. He was an amazing listener and before giving advice would ask, "Do you want to hear this straight up or fuzzy and warm?" Regardless, you were always going to hear it straight up. He treated everyone equally no matter what your status in life. He had friends everywhere that knew him by name from Costco to the car wash to his favorite restaurants. He always went out of his way to make people feel special and show his appreciation. Sal courageously battled multiple serious health complications for the last 13 years of his life with a positive attitude and indomitable spirit. He amazed us all, especially his doctors, with his resilience and determination to overcome whatever he was dealt. His doctors and nurses were not just friends but an extension of our family and Sal had great appreciation for everyone that cared for him. We'd like to especially thank Dr. Anthony Vlastaris for his years of loving care. We'd also like to acknowledge the wonderful treatment he received from Dr. Nancy McBride, Dr. Tamouh Hamoud, Dr. Jerry Lamendola, Dr. Joseph Knapp, Dr. Alan Davis, Joanne Kmiecik, Speech Pathologist, and Shannon Prater, Pharmacist. We are forever grateful to nurses and staff at Fairview Hospital PK unit, and the entire staff at West Side Cardiology Association. We'd also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Ruth and Cleveland Clinic Hospice. Sal loved his family, the Indy 500, spending time and seeing friends at Firestone Country Club, trips to Vegas with his buddy Mike, Harley Davidson motorcycles, lunch dates with Jeff, stylish clothes and shoes and any new gadget on the market. He cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Family trips to the zoo, Disney, Bloody Mary Sundays and cooking with the family making sauce and meatballs were always treasured times. Best of all were his wonderful kisses and warm bear hugs that he shared generously with everyone. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, March 9, 2017 St. Hilary Church, 2750 West Market Street, Fairlawn, OH. at 9:00 AM. (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Final resting place Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The family will receive friends WEDNESDAY 4 - 8 PM at the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71). Visitation March 08, 2017 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM A.RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME 18149 BAGLEY ROAD MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH (440) 260-8800 Mass of Christian Burial March 09, 2017 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM St. Hilary Catholic Church 2750 W. Market Street Fairlawn, OH (330) 867-1055 Final Resting Place March 09, 2017 12:30 PM Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery 10175 Rawiga Rd. Rittman, OH (330) 335-3069