Salvatore Valentino Scali, age 96, of Somerville, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving children. Born on August 3, 1929, in Grotteria, Reggio Calabria, Italy, Salvatore lived a long and meaningful life marked by quiet strength, steady devotion, and deep love for his family.
He immigrated to the United States from Italy with his siblings, carrying with him the values of hard work, resilience, and loyalty that would define his life. A skilled carpenter by trade, Salvatore was also an artist at heart. He loved to paint and sketch, leaving behind hundreds of works that reflected his thoughtful spirit and creative soul. Gentle, wise, and warm, he found joy not in attention but in togetherness. He loved to cook, often experimenting in the kitchen and gathering his family around the table. His greatest happiness was being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was the beloved husband of the late Elisa (Furfaro) Scali, who passed away just six months before him. Married for 64 years, their bond was one of loyalty, partnership, and enduring devotion. Their reunion now is one of peace. Salvatore was the devoted father of Maria; Susan and her husband, Naz; and Giovanni and his wife, Roberta. He was a proud grandfather to Azad and his wife, Ashley; Salvatore; Elisa; and Briana and her fiancé, Dan; and a cherished great-grandfather to Naz and Luca.
He was predeceased by his siblings Joe Scali and his wife Tina; Orlando Scali and his wife Enza; Lina Trubiano and her husband George; and his brother Frank Scali, who is survived by his wife Carol Scali. As he outlived his brothers and sister, Salvatore would often refer to himself as "the last of the Mohicans." He was additionally predeceased by his in-laws Teresa and her husband Ernesto Commisso, and is survived by Pino and his wife Maria Furfaro; Susanna and her husband Nino Falcone; and Tony and his wife Lucy Furfaro, all of whom he held dear. He also adored his many nieces and nephews, who always held a special place in his heart.
Salvatore`s legacy is one of humility, craftsmanship, creativity, and family. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Saturday, March 7th, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral Mass celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 118 High St., Medford, at 11:00 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. It has been requested that In lieu of flowers, contributions in Salvatore’s memory be made to Care Dimensions(https://www.caredimensions.org/).