Salvatore Matthew Laraia M.D.

Salvatore Matthew Laraia, M.D.

Englewood Cliffs - LARAIA, Salvatore Matthew, M.D., age 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Florida, where his wife of 18 years, Ann, provided him with daily support and loving care. Sal was born in Brooklyn, New York to Vito and Anna Laraia. With his brother Carmine, he was educated in the New York City School System and attended pre-med at NYU before serving in the US Army. A talented musician, Sal helped finance his education playing clarinet, alongside his father and brother, during the Big Band Era. Married in 1951 to Mary DiBenedetto, they lived in Italy where Sal attended the University of Bologna School of Medicine, graduating in 1956. He, his wife Mary, and their 5 daughters moved to Englewood Cliffs in 1962, where he then started his practice in Fort Lee. He joined Holy Name Medical Center Staff in 1962 and served on the Board of Trustees as well as Board Chairman. He served as Chief of the Outpatient Department, Chief of Medicine and Chairman of the Intensive Care Committee. For almost 50 years, he was a member of the American Medical Association, the New Jersey Medical Society, and the Bergen County Medical Society. Sal served on numerous other Boards and Committees. He was named UNICO Man of the Year, honored by the Bergen Chapter of the American Heart Association and received the Spirit of Healing Award from Holy Name Medical Center. Sal is now in a better place and in the loving arms of our Lord and in the arms of his beloved wife Mary, who predeceased him in 1998. He is survived by his five daughters, Carol Ann Bendana, Laura (Patrick Orbe) Janice (Peter Colao) Helene (John Ciccarelli) and Susan (Richard Viapiano); his 13 grandchildren Lauren, Krista, Emily, Maria, Joseph, Tiana, Lucas, AJ, Vanessa, Cassandra, Sara, Hannah, Graham and 7 "great-grands". Visitation will be on Sunday, August 1st, at Barrett Leber Funeral Home Tenafly, New Jersey 2PM-6PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 2, at Holy Trinity R.C. Church, Fort Lee at 10 AM. Interment at Madonna Cemetery, Fort Lee. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Holy Name Medical Foundation. The family is sympathetic to the concerns with the on-going health crisis. They respect personal choices regarding large gatherings. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. If unvaccinated, please wear a mask. (www.barrettleberfuneralhome.com)