Salvatore L. Patella of Wallkill, Proprietor of Patella Advertising Products, Wallkill, and a longtime resident of the area passed away at home on Tuesday February 2, 2021. He was 84.
The son of the late Antonio and Filomena Tolomieri Patella, he was born June 22, 1936 in Norwalk, CT.
Sal was a proud and devoted husband to his wife Theresa for nearly 60 years – setting a Patella family record that won’t be broken.
He served in the Navy on the USS Northhampton, receiving an honorable discharge in October 1961.
He was a member of Most Precious Blood Church and was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Benedict’s Chapel. He also served many years on the parish council as well as volunteering on bingo night at the school. Sal was a longtime banker with Valley National Bank where he established great friendships. Sal volunteered with the Shawangunk Fire Department and was active for many years with the Wallkill Lions Club, serving as President and Zone Chairman. Sal was a member of the Norwalk High School golf team, worked as a golf pro at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, CT and also volunteered for many years at the ITV charity golf fund raiser where he drove the beverage cart and had the opportunity to meet many sports celebrities along the way.
Sal proudly put his four sons through college at The University of Southern California, Dutchess Community College, Clarkson University and Pace University.
Sal was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially taking pride in cheering on his New York Yankees. He held season tickets at the stadium for many years and enjoyed attending Old Timers’ Games. Nothing could surpass the joy he experienced attending Game 6 of the 1996 World Series, watching the Yankees wrap it up. Equally important were the countless Little League games in Wallkill, when Sal would arrive earliest and cheer loudest for his sons.
His smile said it all.
Survivors include his wife, Theresa at home; sons Michael A. Patella of Pine Bush, Christopher Patella and his wife Mary of New Windsor and Salvatore F. Patella and his wife Angela of Wallkill; Grandchildren Christopher and Agnes; Brother, John “Jack” Patella of Virginia and several nieces and nephews
He was predeceased by his son, Thomas and bothers Matthew and Anthony.
Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Friday February 5, 2021 at the Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St. Walden.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday February 6, at Most Precious Blood Church, 25 Walnut St., Walden.
Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery in Gardiner.
Donations can be made to a Parkinson’s Association of your choice or the Wallkill Lions Club.
Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors.
For directions or condolences please visit millspaughfuneralhome.com