Salvatore Frederick Pesta
SAN ANTONIO - Salvatore “Sal” Frederick Pesta was born on November 17th, 1940, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Sal relocated to Lebanon, Pennsylvania early in life, and although he moved to Texas, he always considered Pennsylvania his home. He passed away peacefully on November 5th, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas, at 82 years old.
Salvatore honorably and humbly served 24 years in the United States Army from 1958 to 1982, where he obtained the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He served multiple tours in Vietnam, most notably as First Sergeant with Company A, First Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment-commonly known as the Wolfhounds. In addition to his overseas tours, CSM Pesta became a Drill Sergeant while stateside.
CSM Pesta earned the Combat Infantry Badge, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, six Meritorious Service Awards, the Joint Service Commendation, six Army Commendation Awards, twelve Army Good Conduct Awards, two National Defense Awards, the Vietnam Service Award, two Vietnam Campaign Awards, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, and the Vietnamese Civil Action medal.
After his military retirement, Sal pursued further education and attained his B.A. in Education. He taught at both Memorial High School and East Central High School in San Antonio. He retired from teaching in 2003, giving him more time to travel, ride his beloved motorcycle, and be with his family. He proudly accomplished his life long goal of riding motorcycle in all 50 states.
Sal served as President for the San Antonio Chapter of the Gypsy Motorcycle Club for eight years. After 23 years of active membership, he joined the Gypsy Retired Lifer Chapter. He participated annually in “Toys for Tots” and volunteered as Santa for both the Fisher House in San Antonio and at the Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston. Sal was also an active member of the San Antonio Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) for over a decade.
Salvatore is survived by his wife, Phylis, but was predeceased by his first love, Joanne (Nies) Pesta. He is also survived by his children, Lisa (Pesta) Minetree (Richard), Michael Pesta (Sherrie), and David Pesta ( Jayme); his step-children Deana Fuentes-Ricra (Mike) and Kim Pesta, grandchildren Justin Young (Stephanie), Magen Pesta, Richard Minetree Jr. (Danielle), Katelyn Uglialoro ( Vincent), Lauren Peterson (Adam), Bryan, and Chet, as well as numerous great-grandchildren. Sal is also survived by his brother, Bill, and Sister, Corrine, and countless other loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating a toy to “Toys for Tots” this holiday season in Sal’s memory. A Celebration of Life will be held locally in Spring of 2024 with details to follow.