Salvatore Zavaglia's Obituary
Salvatore Zavaglia, 79, of East Syracuse, passed away November 20, 2018 at Crouse Hospital. He was born in Grotteria, Reggio Calabria, Italy; son of the late Giuseppe F. and Marianna E. (Oppedisano) Zavaglia. Salvatore was a kind, caring, and compassionate man who always put others before himself. He left home a mere boy seeking work to help his family in Northern Italy. He also fulfilled his duty to his country by completing service in the Italian Military. After his service, with the help of his aunt, he came to the United States and worked to bring his parents and siblings over. As a general contractor and owner operator of Salvatore’s Home Improvement for over 40 years, he truly enjoyed developing real estate and encouraged his family and friends to do the same. He helped and inspired many people in business and life, but his proudest achievement was his family and children whom he adored. He was loved by many here and abroad. Salvatore’s warm heart and kind, magical smile will be missed by all who knew him.
He was predeceased by his sister, Clementina Lauro, and his aunt, Maria Immaculata Commisso.
Salvatore is survived by his former wife, Rose C. Argiro of E. Syracuse; his children, Maria Anna (Stephen) VanRiper of E. Syracuse, Salvatore J. Zavaglia of E. Syracuse, Joseph J. Zavaglia of E. Syracuse, Maria “Tina” (Brian) Wilk of Liverpool, Lori (James) Waters of Cazenovia, and John P. Zavaglia of Minoa; 12 grandchildren; siblings, Cosimo (Albina) Zavaglia, Maria (Salvatore) Cassaniti, and Dominick (Madeline) Zavaglia; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Salvatore’s life at 11:00 A.M. in St. Matthew’s Church. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, November 26, 2018 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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