Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Salvatore Dardano of Melbourne Beach, FL

Salvatore Dardano of Melbourne Beach, Florida passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on February 11, 2013. Known to many as "Sal", "Jay", and "JR", Salvatore was born on July 3, 1925 in Utica, New York to Salvatore Dardano, Sr. and Agnes Landof Dardano. Salvatore was the oldest of eight children. He attended and graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy with a Business of Science degree in Pharmacology in 1949. A true patriot and veteran of World War II, he served as a pharmacist's mate aboard several ships including the aircraft carriers USS Sangamon and USS Mission Bay. During his military career, Salvatore received the Victory Medal, American Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic Theater Ribbon with two battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation with one star and most importantly, the Military Order of the Purple Heart for wounds he received during the Okinawa campaign. While on military leave in Puerto Rico, Salvatore met the love of his life, Irene Maura O'Neill. They were married on September 7, 1953 and made their home in Vernon, New York. They have three children and five grandchildren. Continuing his career as a pharmacist, Salvatore owned and operated the Vernon Rexall Pharmacy along with other business interests including commercial real estate, as well as, several harness racing horses who ran at Vernon Downs. For 30+ years, Sal's Rexall was the "center" of the Vernon Community! Upon moving to Florida, they chose "Outdoor Resorts of Melbourne Beach" to call home. With numerous friends, many from Vernon, living at the park - golfing, fishing, bowling and swimming described their retirement. Salvatore was a truly devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a great brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and dear friend to many. He and Irene loved to travel to Europe, Canada and the Caribbean Islands. They covered most of the United States, traveling with either family or friends. One of Salvatore's most memorable trips was to St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican when he and Irene received Holy Communion from Pope John Paul II. His love for God, family, and life were evident by his perpetual and genuine smile. If you knew Sal, you knew his smile! He was a life-long devout Roman Catholic and an active member Holy Family Catholic Church in Vernon, NY and then of Immaculate Conception Church in Melbourne Beach since making Florida his permanent home in 1983. Salvatore is survived by his son, Kevin G. Dardano (Lisa) of Rockledge, FL, daughters Anita Campbell (James) of Rockledge, FL and Ellen Duval (Peter) of Underhill, VT; grandchildren - Jeffrey, Katie, Taylor, Connor and Maura. Also surviving are his three brothers: Robert, Richard and Nicholas; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Irene Dardano; sisters, Agnes (Sister Prisca) Dardano and Dolores Martellotto; and brothers Jimmy and Nicholas. A celebration of life will be held Friday, February 15, 2013 at 9 AM at the Immaculate Conception Church in Melbourne Beach, Florida followed by a 10 AM Mass with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Alzheimer's Association to honor his wife, Irene.

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