Salvatore J. Contini, 57, of Cadyville, N.Y., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, at his home after a long and courageous struggle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). He was born in Bristol, Sept. 19, 1951, the son of Efisio and Mary (Sassu) Contini, both deceased. Sal proudly served his country for 25 years beginning with a two-year tour of duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, when he was 18 years old. In April 1983 he began his federal law enforcement career as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent in Temecula, Calif. In 1985 he transferred to the Chula Vista Station in San Diego, Calif., and in 1987 he was promoted to the position of Border Patrol aircraft pilot flying from Brownfield Airport. In February 1989, he was reassigned to McAllen, Texas, where he continued flying. In August 1998, Sal relocated to Massena, N.Y., where he continued federal service as a criminal investigator for the Border Patrols Anti-Smuggling Unit. In May 2002 Sal transferred to Plattsburgh, N.Y., where he worked once again as a Border Patrol aircraft pilot. He was promoted to patrol agent in charge of air operations in 2003, and in October of 2005, he was reassigned to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch and promoted again in October of 2007 to the position of supervisory air interdiction agent, retiring in January 2008. Flying was his passion. Sal flew single- and double-wing airplanes, helicopters, a citation jet and other aircraft. He was a certified flight instructor. Sal was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 2166 in Dannemora, a member of St. James Church in Cadyville, and a member of Airborne Law Enforcement Association. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Sal is survived by his wife, Lisa M. Contini, married on Aug. 24, 1985, in Rockford, Ill. He is also survived by his three children, Giuseppe Contini, Giovanna Contini and Regina Contini. Calling hours will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at 11 a.m. at St. James Church in Cadyville. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery in Cadyville. Donations in the memory of Salvatore J. Contini may be made to Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.
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4 comments:
This message is from Esther in the Valley.
I was getting ready for a pre-Thanksgiving visit to Mary Millard. She always asks about you and Miss Howard. My research led to the discovery of your loss. Joe and I send our condolences. We live in near St Pius X at this time. They have perpetual adoration. We're going to pray the Rosary especially for Nonni and Sal and the family this Friday evening. My email will be in your work in box.
We are very sorry to hear about Sal. Our deepest condolences to Lisa and the children. Hopefully we will all be as strong in this life and in our Catholic faith as Sal was, so we can see him again in Heaven some day. We will continue to pray for you, and are making a donation in Sal's memory to the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging. May the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph be your consolation during this most difficult time. - Michael & Lucy, Harlingen TX
Lisa I am so completely shocked, I was looking to get in touch with Sal to find my youngest cousin's address in Italy and found this obituary. I could not believe my eyes when I saw it, please for give me for not getting in touch with you sooner. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. If you would like to talk or get ahold of me my # 425-444-6218. My address is 15107 92nd Pl NE Bothell WA 98011
with a heavy heart, i am still mourning the loss of such a sweet, kind soul. Sal, you will be missed. I am thankful I had the intense pleasure of knowing such a beautiful man in my lifetime - surely a once in a lifetime occurance. Godspeed, Sal.
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