Gionfriddo, Salvatore Natale
Salvatore Natale Gionfriddo, age 88 of Chatham, MA passed away unexpectedly on October 9, 2022. Sal was born December 25, 1933 in New Britain, CT to Sebastiano and Francesca (Giaquinta) Gionfriddo. He is predeceased by his loving wife Pauline (Morrisette), brother Paul Gionfriddo and brother-in-law Salvatore Petralia.
He's survived by his son Sal Gionfriddo and wife Susan of Granville MA , his son Mark Gionfriddo and partner Liz Prince of Plainville, CT , his siblings Joyce Mancarella and husband Paul of Farmington, CT, Lucille Petralia of Methuen, MA, his grandson Dante Gionfriddo, along with several nieces and nephews and two of his closest friends and "surrogate kids" June Cameron of Brewster MA and Ezzio Partesano of Berlin CT, along with literally dozens of friends.
Sal was a 1951 graduate of New Britain High School and graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army stationed in Verdun, France as a Personnel Specialist.
Most of his career was spent in the insurance industry first at Connecticut General and later as Vice President of special markets at Phoenix Mutual as well as a consultant for Savings Bank Life Insurance.
Anybody who knew Sal knows that he loved being in charge, whether it was organizing dinner plans or making travel arrangements. He had to be at the center of the action. Always civic minded , and willing to put himself out for a cause or group, he served on the Board of Directors for the Visiting Nurse Association and Central Connecticut Family Services, was President of the New Britain Jaycees , President of the Jaycees non-profit Housing Corporation and was President of St. Ann's Parish Council. He also served three terms on the New Britain Common Council and was Majority Leader. Upon retirement , and permanently moving to Chatham, he continued his community involvement serving as Chairman on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Secretary of the Chatham Retired Men's Association, President of the Riverbay Homeowner's Association, Secretary and Board of Governors Monomoy Yacht Club, member of NewComers Association as well as volunteering at the Chatham COA, Railroad Museum and as a driver for FISH. Other memberships included Friends of Eldridge Public Library, Chatham Historical Society and Hyannis Yacht Club.
Sal and wife Polly enjoyed a wonderful life together. They had the great fortune to be able to travel extensively all around the United States, Europe and the Caribbean with a group of friends who dubbed themselves the "Gang of Eight".
Sal and Polly loved to entertain, and If you were at their home it was guaranteed to be full of laughter, good natured ribbing, and plenty of stories from Sal himself.
The family invites friends and relatives to a celebration of Sal's life at one his favorite haunts on Saturday November 5, at the 400 East Restaurant, in East Harwich, MA beginning at noon. A testimonial will be held followed by a luncheon between 2-4 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sal's memory may be made to the Friends of Eldredge Public Library, www. eldredgelibrary.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nickersonfunerals. com.
Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries