SALVATORE ANTHONY ESPOSITO

Salvatore Anthony Esposito (Espie), 72, has peacefully gone home to Jesus Thursday, November 18, 2010, at home surrounded by his family. Sal is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Carol Matarazzo Esposito; son, John (Shelley) Esposito; daughter, Lori (Ed) Kuhl and was predeceased by daughter, Deborah (Mike) Randle. He was the cherished "Papa" to Sara (Rick Jr.) Castiglia, Michael Jr. and Amanda Randle of Rotterdam, NY, Andrew (Caitlin) Kuhl of Virginia Beach, VA, Nathan and Melissa Kuhl of Duanesburg, Anthony and Nicholas Esposito of Schenectady; and precious great-grandson, Elijah David Castiglia. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Kathryn (Larry) Jasenski; his aunt, Eunice Osta Esposito and several nephews and a niece. Sal was also predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Mary Restifo Esposito. Sal was an avid lover of music. He became a drummer at an early age and traveled with his bands to perform all over the Northeast. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the USS McCaffrey. During his enlistment, he earned a Commendation Medal for his part in locating survivors during the fall of the Texas Towers. Sal worked at Gray Electric Motor Shop for over 30 years. He prided himself with dignity, loyalty and honest workmanship. He always gave 100% to whatever he did. Sal was an avid sports fan. He held the Yankees and the Giants in his heart even through their continuous ups and downs. He was a NASCAR enthusiast and loved going to stock car races with his family. He owned and operated a novelty shop, Espie's Enterprises, and was the host of a radio talk show, "Espie's World of Racing." He was instrumental in introducing stock car racing shows to the Capital District. Sal was also an amateur photographer; his favorite spot was the fourth turn at Fonda Speedway watching for the orange 12A to fly by. This hobby carried over to photographing all family functions. Saturday mornings were his greatest times as his daughter, Lori, would pull up in her car with coffee in hand for him, ready to spend the day garage saleing. He would create the list of sales, and off they would go, looking for the "super finds." Battling a vicious cancer would not deter him from his day with his "little girl." Lastly, his favorite son, John, would highlight his evenings around 10 p.m. when they would spend hours talking about each one's day over coffee; six out of seven nights this would take place. Sal loved his children unconditionally and always told them so. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Funeral services will begin on Monday, 10 a.m. from the funeral home followed at 11 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul the Apostle Church. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie.