Salvatora Sottile

Salvatora Sottile, of Brooklyn, NY, passed away at age 92 in Staten Island, New York on March 24th, 2025. Salvatora was born June 10th, 1932 in Barcelona, Sicily to Graziella Manufa and Mariano Torre. She spent her life working as a seamstress, earning several accomplished credits towards her career. She married Francesco Sottile in 1957, and soon after, the couple moved to Brooklyn, New York. She gave birth to her eldest, Angela Sottile Valenti, and then her son, Mario Sottile. She is also survived by their children, Frank Valenti, Sabrina Valenti, Michael Valenti, Nicole Sottile, Juliana Sottile, and Daniel Valenti.

Salvatora was a dedicated wife, mother, and Nonna. She and Francesco spent 58 loving years together and she was by his side until the moment he passed on. The love they shared has been memorialized in the hearts and minds of all who knew them. As a mother, her children have never known a better love. She was their role model, their guide through life, and the person who hemmed and sewed every piece of clothing that needed it well into their adulthood. She never spent a day not caring for them. She saw them as her gift from God, and they saw her that same way. She has passed on her loving parenthood, and made them into the wonderful parents they are now.

Her love poured over onto her grandchildren as well. From the moment each of them was born, she did everything she could for them. She hosted sleepovers, taught them her favorite recipes, took them on trips to Italy, and never stopped encouraging them. She had so much pride in each of them, and demonstrated it by showing up for every milestone throughout their lives. The love, life lessons, and support she has shown them has shaped them into the people they are today, and they will carry her legacy on.

While Salvatora was known for many things, her role as the grand hostess stands out most. Sally was an amazing cook, and hosted many holidays and events where family, accomplishments, and love were always celebrated. She spent many hours working tirelessly up until the age of 92, in her kitchen preparing feasts for others. Her greatest gift was not just the mouth watering food spreads she put together, but the memories she gave us as we fought over her chicken rolletini. No one has ever left her home hungry. She opened up her home to all, and all were loved, cherished, and welcomed. She taught us all that a meal with family is never just a meal, but precious time together; and that time spent together was a gift and a blessing.

We will gather in her honor in Brooklyn, New York, at Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home on Thursday, March 27th from 2:00pm-5:00pm, and 7:00pm-9:00pm. Mass will be held on March 28th at 9:45 am at Saint Simon and Jude Church, 185 Van Sicklen Street, Brooklyn, NY.

Salvatora will be laid to rest following Mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Staten Island.