Salvatore A. LaRosa

Salvatore LaRosa, a resident of Naples, Florida since 1995 passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at home, after a long illness; only two days after his 62nd wedding anniversary. He was recently described as an “eternal optimist” though he survived cancer twice and the loss of a child.

He was born in the Bronx on August 19, 1930 to Louis and Vittoria LaRosa, Italian immigrants but lost his mom when he was 3. His father later remarried and had three more children. Sal grew up on Jerome Avenue and enlisted in the Army. Afterwards, he married his sweetheart and within a few short years, Sal became the father of four girls. He joined the Sons of Italy and ushered in St. Williams Church. Before retiring he was a salesman in Nanuet, NY for more than 20 years. He had a vast love of travel, going to Italy & Hawaii several times and many memorable trips to Disneyworld.

As a young man, he studied jewelry making at a specialized high school and won an award and internship for creating beautiful jewelry. But life took him elsewhere.  He was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed being with his girls on his day off; the beach, the zoo, a park or NYC, it was always an adventure. He took us sledding, skiing, ice skating, taught us how to bait a hook, catch a fish, body surf at Jones Beach, ride bicycles, roller skate, and later how to drive a car, open a bank account and be responsible adults.

He was humble yet proud, outgoing yet private, sensitive, yet uplifting and had a sometimes tempestuous spirit yet he set a purposeful example of how to be a good, honest person who contributed to his community.

He loved talking to people. He engaged complete strangers in conversation while waiting in line or in a crowd to make them laugh or give them something to think about. He also loved to fish, sit in the lanai and watch birds by the water, watch television and reading. He loved being with his family and eating macaroni. We will love him and miss him forever, until the day we see him again.

His survivors include his loving wife Dorothy, daughters; Vicki Botta and husband Joe and their son Will, Joanne Yacopino and husband Ronnie, Nancy Marinaccio and husband Carl and their children Niki, Michael and Toni. He is also survived by his sisters Gertrude LaRosa and Frances and husband Stephen Turchyn and his brother Joseph LaRosa and wife Mary. He is predeceased by his parents, step-mother, and his daughter Carolyn.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 10:00 AM in Saint William Catholic Church, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL 34108. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.fullernaples.com

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