Salvatore Quacinella, the light of our lives and a true international treasure, passed in the early hours of August 21, 2015 in Manteca. Born in Siracusa, Sicily 92 years ago, Salvatore’s passion for life and, above all, his family were as rich as Mt. Etna’s volcanic soil. Charisma doesn’t even begin to describe the beauty of this man with an irrepressible, contagious zest for life. Salvatore “Turriddu” is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Merriel – his darling “Tzutzi” –, sons Andrew (Claudia), Frank (Nancy), John; daughters Lucy (Michael), Julie (Pat), Cindy; grandchildren, Michael, Tommy, Brennan, Eileen, Justin, Jeremy, Christian, Savannah.
A veteran of WWII, Sal was a member of the Italian Navy’s elite frogman unit; he was very proud to have served with the Allies after being liberated from a German POW camp. He loved America and all her liberties. Sal came to the U.S. after the war as a ship’s chief engineer. He worked as a mechanic in New York, and, after the death of his first wife, Josephine, he moved out west. He owned auto garages in Modesto and Manteca. Sal reveled in the great Central Valley where, on their small ranch in Escalon, he and Merriel had unforgettable family gatherings filled with food, wine and laughter.
Visitation was held 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. August 25 at Deegan Funeral Chapel. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. August 26 at St. Patrick’s Church, Highway 120 at Carrolton. Both in Escalon. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated: Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 110 E. 42nd St., NYC, NY 10017 or on-line at www.alzinfo.org. For condolences, please visit www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Aug. 26, 2015