Salvatore Collura

Salvatore (Sal) J. Collura, a man of unwavering dedication, profound kindness, and a lifetime of remarkable achievements, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the age of 92, surrounded by his cherished family in Titusville, Florida.

Born on June 24, 1931, in Mauch Chunk (Nesquehoning), Pennsylvania, Salvatore embarked on a journey of service and commitment early in life, joining the United States Navy, where he served in the European Theater during the Korean war on the USS Willard Keith DD-775 with honor. In 1958, he made Florida his home and began a 30-year career with NASA as an electronics technician. His specialty was instrumentation as he designed, built and tested unique systems to monitor performance from the earliest manned Mercury missions through the Apollo era and culminating with the Space Shuttle vehicles. His passion for technology and innovation led him to Northrop Grumman, where he flourished as a supervisor and senior engineer, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of human space exploration.

Salvatore was not just a man of professional accomplishment; he was deeply rooted in his faith as a longtime member of St. Teresa Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as a fourth degree and Grand Knight. His commitment to service extended to 63 consecutive years with the American Legion Florida Post 1, and an Eagle Scout himself, was honored by the Boy Scouts of America for establishing Troop 481 in Titusville. Sal truly embodied the values of brotherhood and community.

A connoisseur of Jazz and Big Band music, Salvatore's spirit resonated with the melodies that brought him joy throughout his life. His love for music was a testament to his vibrant and lively personality.

An avid outdoorsman, Salvatore found solace and joy in the beauty of nature through hunting and fishing as well as introducing new hunters to the sport as a certified Florida Hunters Safety instructor. However, his greatest source of happiness was his family, and he was a selfless patriarch who always prioritized the needs of his loved ones above his own.

Salvatore is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Rita Collura, and their five loving children: Salvatore Collura, Jr. (Tammy), Nancy Rhinelander (Martin), Chris Collura (Barbara), Maria Collura (Russell), and Joseph Collura (Kelly). His legacy extends to five grandchildren: Amber Smith, Joseph Collura, Jr., Samuel Collura, Daniel Collura, and Anthony Collura, as well as four great-grandchildren: Bryce and Addilyn Smith and Luca and Eva Collura.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable contributions to be made to St. Frances Reflections Lifestage Care, expressing gratitude for the exceptional hospice care provided to Mr. Collura: 1250 Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Salvatore's extraordinary life will be held at St. Teresa Catholic church on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 1:00PM, with a private inurnment for the family at Brevard Memorial Park. Salvatore Collura's legacy will forever be remembered, not just in the annals of space exploration but, more importantly, in the hearts of those he touched with his kindness, love, and enduring spirit. May he rest in eternal peace.