Salvatore “Sal” Zarbano died peacefully Friday March 25th 2016 while his wife and children were holding his hand. He bravely battled an advanced stage of lung cancer after being diagnosed last June. In his final days, Sal was surrounded by his loving family and friends in the comfort of his home.
Born in Augusta, Sicily on February 3, 1948, Salvatore immigrated to the United States in 1954 with his family. He grew up in the West End of Boston and in Medford. Sal graduated Medford High School in 1967. He felt a strong urge to enlist into the United States Army at the height of the Vietnam War in 1968 and honorably served his country.
Sal was an avid skier. In his early years, he spent many winters in North Conway hitting the slopes as a member of the Makusue Ski Club. It was there he met his wife, Paula. Sal was a loving person; he loved his wife above all else. The two were married for over 31 years and could often be seen around town dining together on weekends or hosting dinner parties with their friends.
He was the ultimate family man. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Joseph, and his daughter, Katherine. He was a proud, supportive and most importantly, loving Father. Sal was a deeply religious, caring, and generous man. He was an usher at St. Raphael Parish, was a compassionate caregiver, and donated to many local causes and charities.
Salvatore is the son of the late Luciano and Elena Zarbano. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his brothers Joseph and his wife Barbara, Corrado and his late wife Annmarie, and Santo and his wife Ann. He also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family members.
Funeral services will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD, Wednesday, March 30th, at 8:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford, at 9:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Sal’s name to the WEEI NESN Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon. Checks can be written to “the Jimmy Fund” and mailed to “Sal Zarbano, 318 Winthrop Street, Medford MA 02155.” The donation will be presented to the Jimmy Fund in August.