Salvatore John Fiore, ‘Tore’
Salvatore John “Tore” Fiore, 67, a colorful and passionate promoter of all things “Delco,” died April 5, 2018, after a valiant battle against cancer. He died at home with his wife, Corinne, and dear friend Gerry at his bedside.
A tireless cheerleader for Delaware County, Mr. Fiore was the executive director of Destination Delco, Delaware County’s visitors’ bureau, an agency he revitalized, rebranded and relocated to its present headquarters in the historic Rose Tree Tavern in Rose Tree Park.
Born in 1951, “Tore” was a 1968 graduate of Sharon Hill High School. He attended West Chester University while proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve from 1971-1977.
“Tore” parlayed his showmanship, creativity and communication skills into a long career in TV, radio, special events planning and public relations. He had a quick wit and could create a pun-filled phrase to promote any endeavor and regaled everyone with his “A list” jokes for any occasion.
He described himself as a “humorist, humanist and humidor all rolled into one.
Mr. Fiore started his career working on the “Mike Douglas Show,” then opened Checkmate Productions, a special events management company, and served as special projects manager for the late state Rep. Matthew Ryan.
Since 2004, as executive director of Destination Delco, he worked tirelessly to enhance the image, build the commerce, attract tourists and sustain the hospitality industry in Delaware County. During his tenure, he grew the hotel occupancy rates and partnered with Philadelphia’s Tourism Bureau to broaden the city’s appeal to include Delaware County’s rich cultural attractions.
Accomplishments he was most proud of included serving as executive producer for the annual Walk for the Wounded event in Rose Tree Park that aids disabled veterans through Operation First Response.
He also coordinated sponsorships that launched the Delaware County Summer Festival, organized the Riverfront Ramble for five years, hosted an online radio show called “The Delco Show,” and organized a reunion of the Rose Tree Hunt Club at its original location in Rose Tree Park.
“Tore” was the devoted husband of 33 years to Corinne Kassab Fiore, father to stepson Erik Hollingsworth (Lissette), loving “Nonno” to grandchildren Gavin and Griffin, and favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews including Rebecca Powell. He is survived by his mother, Antoinette Fiore, age 101; his brother Francis Fiore (Barbara); and his sister Theresa Pius (John.) He also enjoyed his Doberman pinschers.
He is predeceased by his father, Francis Fiore, and his brother James (Joanne.)
In his spare time, he was an avid golfer and member of Concord Country Club, a huge Phillies fan, and he drew on his Italian heritage to host spaghetti and meatball dinners for the 1992 Strath Haven High School football team.
His civic endeavors included volunteering as a referee for the Media Youth Center, umpiring for the Media Little League and assisting with the Rose Tree Colts. He had also raised funds for the Elwyn Development Center in honor of his late niece, Samantha Powell.
His accomplishments earned him the Person of the Year Award from the Associazione Regionale Abruzzese Delco in 2013 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in 2016.
Services for Mr. Fiore are by the Cavanagh-Patterson Funeral Home, 43 E. Baltimore Ave., Media. Visitation is 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. Thursday and his service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Media Cemetery.
The family asks that donations in his name be made to Operation First Response, 20037 Dove Hill Road, Culpepper, VA 22701 or operationfirstresponse.org.