Obituary of Salvatore "Sam" R. Ferrari

Salvatore "Sam" R. Ferrari Salvatore "Sam" R. Ferrari, 93, of Rome, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, February 6, 2016 at Bethany Gardens. He was a native of Rome, NY and son of the late Francesco and Teresa Palaia Sega Ferrari. Sal graduated from RFA in the class of 1940. He is predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Gabrielle Belgarde. They met during WWII while Sal was stationed in Chicopee MA with the Army Air Corps. They were married in Chicopee on July 27, 1946 and returned to Rome. Salvatore began his career in the restaurant business as a co- owner of the Paramount Diner and later became the owner of the Capitol Restaurant on W. Dominick St. In 1968, he purchased the Pie Stand on upper Turin Rd. For 31 years he not only provided for his family but also gave many employees the support and encouragement of their first jobs. It is our great comfort that many Romans will remember him fondly as part of their summer memories. Sal was a member of the Henry P. Smith #24 American Legion. Salvatore was the proud father of 5 children, Christine Ferrari of CA, Teresa Ferrari Wilkie of TN, Dean Ferrari (deceased), Michelle Vallelunga of Syracuse, NY, MSgt Christian Ferrari of VA. He is survived by 7 grandchildren, Gregory James King and Apryl Love Alcaraz of CA, Lauren Wilkie of TN, Gabrielle Wilkie-Gabel of Oneida, NY Emma Vallelunga of Syracuse, NY , Anna Ferrari and Alexander Ferrari of VA. He also has 3 great grandchildren, Bradley James King and Tomas Alcaraz of CA and Sophia Gabel of Oneida, NY, and several nieces and nephews. Sal was predeceased by brothers; Gregory Sega and Anthony Sega and sisters Teresa Sega, Alvira Sega and Mary Tenello. Sal had a strong love of music being able to play several instruments, french horn, organ, mandolin and guitar. In addition to music, he enjoyed playing chess and golf and was a member of Hidden Valley Golf Course for many years. In true Italian tradition he worked to preserve "la famiglia" both locally in Rome, NY as well as in Italy and Brazil. The family would like to thank the staff at Bethany Gardens as well as the staff at the Terrace at Woodland for their care and attentiveness. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nicholas Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W Court St. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4-7pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Salvatore's name to National Stroke Association and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com