Salvatore J. Raffaele

Sal was born in Stamford on January 31, 1934, son of the late Salvatore & Josephine Galati Raffaele of Stamford. In addition to his beloved wife Carmella of 60 years, he is survived by his loving children; Salvatore M. Raffaele & wife Pam of Shelton, Linda Mazzulli of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Kate Mattox of Shelton. “Poppy” was adored by his Grandchildren; one granddaughter Zoe Mattox, & four Grandsons; Zack Mattox, Tony Mazzulli, Salvatore R. Raffaele & wife Amanda, and Ricky Raffaele & fiancé Elaina. He is also survived by his sister Marion Rabita of Stamford, & 2 brothers; Robert Raffaele & wife Deana of Clearwater, Florida, and Patrick Raffaele & wife Winnie of Newtown, as well as many wonderful cousins, nieces, & nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved son Anthony David Raffaele.

Sal attended Stamford High school and played football on their winning teams, proudly winning the state championship and very proudly wearing his championship sweaters up until more recent years which became the talk of the town everywhere he went randomly running into former teammates. He also played baseball with the famous Sharks of Stamford. After High school Sal served in the army and was stationed in Louisiana and Texas. After proudly serving his country Sal was employed by Thomas’ covering territory all through Fairfield County and on up throughout the Valley. He was later employed by Condé Nast Publications running the printing presses for all the magazines. After Condé Nast shut down he switched to a sales position at Mohawk Tire, & then eventually in Sales & Collections for International Car parts. He was an exceptional driver covering large territories in all his jobs and millions of miles.

Sal loved sports, his favorite teams were the ones his children & grandchildren played on. He was a Cub Scout leader and volunteered for many years at St. Maurice Church in Stamford. In addition to Football and baseball, he loved to play golf at Sterling Farms joining their men’s club, which he enjoyed for many years until more recently moving to Monroe. Sal loved to cook & eat great food, tend his vegetable garden, loved to grow flowers, & in recent years watch the hummingbirds in his feeder on his front porch. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his loving family and especially loved listening to Pavarotti & Andrea Boccelli. You would always find him proudly wearing his Veterans hat conducting with his finger to his favorite music and a huge smile on his face. He was very outgoing, very funny, and always the life of the party. He was an incredible father & an amazing Grandfather who really sacrificed his entire life to give his children & grandchildren a better life and will always be known by his family as the best Poppy ever.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Evangelista in Trumbull for such extraordinary care. Funeral services will be privately held.