Salvatore F. DiMartino

Salvatore Francesco DiMartino, 87, of Weeki Wachee, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on September 14, 2016 with his loving family by his side. Born in Hartford on January 16, 1929, he was the son of the late Salvatore F. DiMartino and Anna (Canalosi) DiMartino. Sal was pre-deceased by brothers Jack and Frank DiMartino; sisters Lucille Guerriero, Lillian Tetrault, and Rose Norrie; grandson Steven M. DiMartino. Sal left Meriden, Connecticut and lived in Florida for the last 25 yrs. At the age of 17 Sal joined the U.S. Marine Corps and that is where he started his boxing career. After leaving the service Sal started traveling in the boxing circuit with his pal Willie Pep and gained recognition as a middleweight contender, winning the State Championship Title in Connecticut. Sal was so honored to be inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009. When he retired from boxing in 1953 he became a police officer for the City of Hartford for 25 years, where he was a medal of valor recipient. After retiring from the police department he had become an Executive Aide at the State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office. He was a legend in his own right, well known and loved by everyone who knew him. Sal is survived by his wife Elizabeth DiMartino, children Toni Vogel (Michael), Tina Deleo (Carl), Teresa Ouellette (Jeff), Tamira Surdyka, Terry DiMartino, Salvatore F. DiMartino III (Louise), Tammy Helwig (Robert) , John Abercrombie (Catherine), Lisa Tamborino (Kevin), Paul DiMartino, sister's Antoinette Zawerton, Carol DiPauda (Guido), twenty-five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and good friends. A private ceremony with family and friends is planned, where Sal's full life will be remembered and celebrated. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local Cancer Fund or Heart Association of your choice, and in memory of Sal.