Salvatore P.Picerno,96, formerly of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, died peacefully in Greenville, Rhode Island, Tuesday, October 26, 2010. He was the husband of the late M. Irene (Cox) Picerno. Irene predeceased Sol’s death on May 25, 2009 after 61 years of marriage.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois, after his parents, the late Joseph and Rachel (Pelusia) Picerno, emigrated from the southern region of Basilcata, Italy. Salvatore was lovingly referred to as Sol. After serving in the navy, during WWII, Sol became a very successful salesman with Whitaker Paper Company, where he met and fell in love with Irene. After marrying they moved to Glen Ellyn, IL where they raised their two daughters, Janet and Carolyn. He was an active member of the Parent’s Band Association at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and a member of Wheaton Baptist Church.
Sol was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was also admired for his generosity to his extended family, friends, church, and needy organizations. He will be missed by all of those who were blessed to have him in their lives.
Sol is survived by his daughters; Janet Picerno Neff; Carolyn Picerno Bushaw; his grandchildren; Kathleen Rae Neff, David Russell Neff, Shane Michael Bushaw and Heath Jacob Bushaw, and his great grandson; Heath Jacob Bushaw, Jr.
The family wishes to express their grateful thanks to the staff at Waterman Village as well as Home & Hospice Care of RI who took loving and compassionate care of sol and his family. Sol often cheered his friends and the staff at Waterman Village with his singing. His last words were, “I am a happy, happy man.”
A memorial service will be held Thursday at 2pm at the Courtyard at The Village at Waterman Lake, 715 Putnam Pike, Greenville. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011 which supports research, support programs, and services or Home & Hospice Care RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904. (www.hhcri.org )