Salvatore De Lora Alaimo Jr.

Salvatore De Lora Alaimo, Jr., 71, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2017 at the Hospice of the Comforter, Longwood FL, with his fiancée, Dr. Sandra Speroni, by his side. He was born on June 22, 1946 in Brooklyn NY as the only child to Salvatore “Sam” De Lora Alaimo, Sr. and Betty (Gallo) Alaimo. Sal (or “Junior” as he was affectionately known by his family) was preceded in death by his infant daughter, his devoted parents, and his high school sweetheart and wife of 49 years Dianna C. (Garrison) Alaimo; and two exceptional cats, Samson and Delilah. He is survived and remembered fondly by his brother-in-law James Garrison and wife Bonnie in St. Augustine Beach, FL; by brother-in-law Fred Theadore and niece Kristine Wares with families in New York; by sister-in-law Linda in CO; by cousin Deborah Rivellese in FL; by cousin Rosanne and husband Ihor; by cousin Joanne Gallo and husband John Reilly; and by his loving Aunt Phyllis Gallo. Sal grew up in Spring Valley, NY and enlisted in the US Army at 17 years old, wishing to follow in his father’s footsteps, a WWII veteran. He respected the military and what it stood for, especially during the Vietnam era. Sal had a big and fun-loving heart, like a teenager most of his life. For example, does anyone remember Florida radio station “CK86” (WCKS AM 860) during the ‘80s? Sal imitated “Father Guido Sarducci”, popping in on DJs Dianna Dee (his wife) and Sherry Star for a surprise visit. He really loved the element of surprise. He also loved his “muscle cars”, as he called them, as he beefed-up and rebuilt cars to race in his younger years. His current, all-time favorite was the red, Dodge Challenger. Music was a big thing for Sal. He loved to sing, especially to the Doo-Wop era of his youth, and early rock n roll of the 50-60s. Heart and soul. You give him any word or phrase; he would find a song that included it, right out of his memory banks! “Words and music, baby…they have to mean something together”. He depicted his life experiences and feelings through the eyes and ears of melody and song. With his most favorite singing entertainer being Elvis, Sal said he seemed to relate to that character the most; in his early years, he loved singing his songs as tribute. He would say, “Listen to ‘Follow That Dream’ and always think of me.” Sal enjoyed the outdoors, as well. As a young tike, “he’d go a hunting” for deer and tracking bear with his father and uncle. He camped out of the back of his fleece-lined truck whenever possible with his wife. But he really favored the beach, any way he could get it. When he was a member of the National Geographic Society, he enjoyed spending time with his father gathering unusual finds on beaches and deeper waters with various metal detectors. He would sun for hours, to get his “Indian tan” as he called it, under the golden rays. He also enjoyed the outdoors by expressing himself with watercolor painting, stating it was “easier for the colors to float together” as he wanted. Most of his paintings were about peace in nature…flowing ocean waves on a beach, billowy clouds in a blue sky, creamy orange-red sunsets over the ocean, calm woodsy paths in the country or along a babbling brook. He had a keen eye for balance, design and color, in the home and on canvas….beach style! His last move was to retire in the quietude of the country … relax … and paint. Sal had a service-oriented personality, making sure others were happy and safe, working most of his life where his service would, say, “keep the blood flow going”, e.g., installer of low level electric lines in NY high rise buildings, Supply Manager at Orlando Regional Medical Center for the ER and the air ambulances, and Service Manager Assistant at Central Florida Toyota to include using his keen, driving skills to test drive cars for their safety. He was truly a reliable, trustworthy friend. But his emphasis was on loving and protecting Family; especially after finding his latest, abiding love, believing “the angels brought us together as we were meant to be,” during his last days. He was in turn loved dearly and will be remembered always. Heart and soul, Baby. As with a quote from John Green’s novel, The Fault In Our Stars: “You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I’m grateful.” Sal’s last request was to be with his family; he is resting in peace at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with his dearly departed wife, father and mother. Added comments and/or pictures of love and remembrance to the Tribute Wall will be most welcomed and treasured.

Salvatore De Lora Alaimo Jr.

June 22, 1946 - July 13, 2017