Salvatore Grimaldi

Salvatore Grimaldi (age 74) died peacefully surrounded by family after suffering a sudden hemorrhagic stroke. During his final days, family members traveled from around the country to shower him with love and to share happy memories of his kindness, love, and humor.

Sal was born in Yonkers, New York, as the son of proud Italian immigrants, and the second youngest of six siblings. When his family moved to Hollywood, Florida, he met his wife, Debra. As he told the story, he saw her on the middle school bus, looked into her big blue eyes, and knew she was the one. Debbie and Sal celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on the 4th of July.

Sal was preceded in death by his parents Jean and Salvatore, brothers Victor and Patrick, and sister Jeanette. He leaves behind the love of his life Debra, daughter Michelle, son Michael, beloved grandchildren Stella, Julian, Salvatore, Vincenzo, and Luciano, sisters Kathryn and Paulette, sister-in-law Sandi, brother-in-law Larry, son-in-law Andrés, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends he cherished.

Sal’s magnetic personality and gentle nature were cherished by those lucky enough to know and love him. He was a born comedian and delighted in getting to know new people, making friends and strangers alike laugh with his playful, and sometimes inappropriate, sense of humor. He relished spending time with his lifelong childhood friends, Phi Delta Sigma fraternity brothers, and new friends that he cultivated daily.

Among his favorite activities were riding motorcycles, playing poker, rooting for the Miami Dolphins, watching stand-up comedy, and not just eating, but talking about his favorite foods in detail. He was also a proud member of the Masons. Above all, his favorite pastime was bragging about his grandkids and spending as much time with his family as possible.

As a hero to those around him, Sal dedicated much of his life to service: volunteering for Meals on Wheels, driving senior citizens to appointments and errands, and even helping them with home repairs. Even in death, Sal continued to help those in need as an organ and tissue donor.

Sal, known by his grandchildren as “Papa” and his siblings as “Sallyboy”, had a twinkle in his eye that will be treasured and missed forever. His incomparable kindness and love will live on in his loved ones’ hearts.

Information about a celebration of life memorial is soon to come.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kayspongerpc.com for the Grimaldi family.