Salvatore Donald D'Onofrio

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1965 to 1969 as an infantryman and military policeman, promoting to the rank of Sergeant in under two years. After being honorably discharged, he studied sociology at Rutgers University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1973. His career as a Social Worker was cut short after he was diagnosed with a rare heart condition. Thanks to the work of the Drexel Heights Fire Department, Doctors Robert Emery and Karl Kern, the staff at Kino Hospital, the VA, and University Medical Center, Salvatore received a second chance at life after undergoing a successful heart transplant.

Because of their work, Salvatore lived another 30 years, during which time he raised three children, three grandchildren, and served as a pillar of support for countless fellow Vietnam Veterans. Salvatore is survived by the love of his life Margaret, sons Anthony (Marisa) and Alex (Amanda,), daughter Irene, and grandchildren Julien, Giovanni, Alyssa, Lilly and Jonathan, God-daughter Angela, several nieces and cousins, and a neighborhood of now grown men that he loved like sons of his own.

Salvatore’s burial will take place on Friday, July 28 at 10:00 at East Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Salvatore’s name to the Disabled American Veterans.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.