Sal ‘Silvio’ Ferreira Sr., 74, of Red Hook

Sal “Silvio” Ferreira Sr., 74, of Red Hook, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford, Mass.

Born on Oct. 20, 1942, Sal was one of seven children born to his loving mother, Maria, in Castelo, Portugal. He later came to the United States at the age of 19, eventually becoming a naturalized citizen ready to work toward his idea of the American dream.

In 1971, he married Peggy and together shared a loving marriage of 27 years, raising two children, Amy and Sal Jr., and together built their life in Hyde Park, N.Y. In 1998, Peggy left this earth too soon and lived in his heart each day thereafter until they could be reunited once again.

In 1977, Sal began his concrete construction company known as S-F Concrete Corp. With an incomparable work ethic, Sal was a man of many trades throughout his younger life, including being a waiter in Brazil, which he always had fascinating stories about, to an electrician, a banker, a gardener, but ultimately, his passion was in masonry and construction. He was proud of his work and loved being outside with the “guys in the field.”

He was an unbelievable father to his children. His unselfish soul wanted to be everything for them giving them a life that he never had growing up.

He was a mentor, teacher, and father to his sonin-law Jeff watching him excel in construction while always supporting and continuing to be out in the field — his favorite place.

A man with a heart of gold, once you met Sal you would never forget him — his smile, the way he spoke, his ability to talk things out and solve any problem.

In 2009, he found companionship with Maria Helena. They shared a marriage of love and happiness for the past eight years. “Obrigado por todos esses anos maravilhosos ao seu lado meu amor.”

It cannot go without mentioning that Sal loved his cat, Smokey, who was waiting for him at heaven’s door.

Sal leaves behind his kids, Amy and Jeff Schmidt of Red Hook, N.Y., Sal Ferreira Jr. of Edmond, Okla.; his wife, Maria Helena, in Medford, Mass.; and his furry grandkids, aka “pet family” of Lenny, Zoey, Molly, and Elvis. He also leaves behind his family of siblings, many nieces and nephews, and Maria Helena’s family and her grandchildren in Medford, Mass.

Memorial calling hours to celebrate Sal’s life will be held for family and friends on Sunday, July 23, 2017, at 1 to 4 p.m. at Burnett & White Funeral Home in Red Hook, N.Y. Interment will be private.