Salvatore J Pirro

Salvatore J. Pirro

"Singin' Sal", passed away peacefully at his home in Florida surrounded by his loving wife Maria and love ones,both in present and in spirit, on August 17, 2012 after an extensive battle with cancer. He was 76 years young. Born in Batavia, N.Y. on June 28th 1936, the eldest of six children by Norfe J. Pirro (deceased) and Ann L. Pirro (Borzi),he precedes in death by his mother Ann (96 yrs).

Shortly after graduating, Sal enlisted into the United States Air Force, doing his duty and serving abroad as both an airplane mechanic and an entertainer with the Air Force Stars and Stripes Tops and Blues. After being discharged from the military, Sal moved to Ithaca in 1959. He opened and operated PIRRO'S PIZZA, Ithaca's FIRST pizza and sub shop.

After retiring, Sal moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he continued his love for entertaining. Again a pioneer, he introduced the "Singing Machine" to New York. Sal would return to Ithaca every summer where he would entertain at local venues~ nightclubs, church picnics, area Old Home days, and The IC VIP Fireworks. He was a Master of Ceremonies & volunteered at senior citizen homes to donate his talents to raise money for cancer. Specifically, he enjoyed to volunteer outside of Kmart. He received donations from" the community" to donate to the Local Ithaca Relay for Life, Muscular Dystrophy and other charities.With a passion for theatre he participated in many musical productions.He was best known as Marrying Sam in "Lil Abner" at the former Strand Theater. With a love for singing and telling jokes. Singin' Sal enjoyed anything that involved spending time with people and making them smile.

Sal married the love of his life, Maria Spiotta, on August 9,1964, in Asti Italy. Together they cherished every moment of their 48 years of marriage.

Those left to treasure his memory include his wife: Maria, daughter: Ana, (grandchildren TJ, Bethany and Marianne) Son: Robert, daughter: Lisa, son: Norfe (grandchild Olivia) his mother Ann, his siblings Lucy, Dave, Tom, Diane, and Mark and many extended family and friends.

He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Calling hours for friends and family will be on Sunday August 26th 2012 from 11am till 1pm at Bangs Funeral home located at 209 W. Green Street in Ithaca. Funeral will be on Monday, August 27th at 10am at the Immaculate Conception church. A final grave site memorial with full military honors will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery. Friends may gather after for a celebration of his life at the VFW on State street in Ithaca. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local Ithaca Relay for Life or to Muscular Dystrophy.