Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Salvatore Dellaquila Obituary
Salvatore Dellaquila, 90, of Plainville, beloved husband of Rose (Biceglia) Dellaquila for 65 years, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Wednesday, (November 26, 2003). He was born in Enfield on October 25, 1913, the son of the late Giuseppe and Vincenza (Natale) Dellaquila. Sal was a U.S Army Air Corps Veteran, serving during World War II with the 55th Fighter Squadron, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1945. He was employed by the Tomasso Brothers Inc., for over 35 years. A longtime resident of Plainville, Sal was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Church and the Knights of Columbus Gerald T. Corrigan Council. Sal was known as Plainville's "Little Wine Maker" for making his own wine in his cellar with his family for many years. Besides his wife, Rose, he is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph and Mary-Jean Dellaquila of San Francisco, CA, and Donald and Carolyn Dellaquila of Kensington; two daughters, Vincenza "Vinnie" Dellaquila of Plainville and Diane Johanson and her husband, Tom of Windsor; three sisters, Vincenza DellaStritto, Angelina Abitabile, and Faustina Nasta, all of Italy. He also leaves his ten loving grandchildren, Gina, Cara, Danielle, Gabriel, Kevin, Lynne, Autumn, Caylee, Joseph, and Olivia; six great grandchildren, Samantha, Jordyn, Gabrielle, Jacquelyn, Ariann, and Briann; as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. from Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St., Plainville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, from 3-6 p.m. at the funeral home. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Pendleton and his staff, as well as the staff at Hospice in Plainville for the care they've given to Sal. Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of Central Connecticut, 40 East St., Plainville, CT 06062, or to the New Britain General Hospital Eye Bank, 100 Grand St., New Britain, CT 06050.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Salvatore Dellaquila
Sponsored by Diane.
Joseph Dellaquila
November 9, 2012
Here's to you and Grammy watching over all of us and keeping us safe everyday. Miss you both!
Vinnie Dellaquila
September 27, 2011
Dad, I hope Mom is behaving for you! You both come and visit me in my dreams but, I wish you would give some numbers to play, cuz things are getting tight. Love and miss you both! Vinnie
Vinnie
November 20, 2009
Dad, It will be six years that you have been gone and there is not a day that passes that I don't think of you. You are still my rock so please give me the strenght and the health to take care of Mom, she sure is difficult and just does everything her way. Please watch over all of us, in these trying times for Diane and Donnie, they also need your guidance in their lives right now. We have a new baby boy in our family, Gavin Rayan, and he has a little chin just like you and your Cheshire Cat Smile, and will also have another baby boy, in January, Cara and Jeff, will have Joseph Dellaquila, so you see the name will still continue to go on. See you on Thanksgiving Day, Love, Vinnie
Gabriel Raymond
April 1, 2009
Thankyou grandpa I miss you but dieing in the flesh is a natural part of gods will (just like being born. If only you were hear I think you would be happy our Familie's lawn. Often time I think of you when I am working out there. If you can, ask god to help grandma today cuz she is at NBGH. I love her and am not ready for her to pass on any time soon.
Vinnie Dellaquila
October 27, 2008
Hello Dad, Happy 95th birthday! you still are the love of our lives and are so missed. Make sure you show Tony D'Amico the ropes about making the roads up there. I wanted to send you some wine with him, but I did't know where to get the wine, you know Donnie, there is always a special place to get it. Zia Vincenza called today and we talked about how she had a singer come to the table when Joe and Donnie were in Italy, and they sang all your favorite songs, which I still hear all the time. Love you always, Vinnie
Autumn Struk
October 27, 2008
Hi Grandpa, we miss you greatly. I wish that you were with us in person to see Tatum. You would absolutely love him and his personality. I can hear your laughter, with the rest of the family, when Tatum dances to "That's Amore." I hope that you had a fabulous Birthday. Love you!
Diane
October 27, 2008
My forever Pops:
Happy Birthday. We visited you at St. Joes on Sat. brought you some wine and a little brandy. We all think about you daily.
Joe and MJ are visiting as you know, 50th reunion for PHS. The entire Biceglia family came by yesterday and we all had dinner together. Of course you where there as well. Mom longs to be with you again. Please watch over her and us all.
I love you and miss you.
Forever in my heart
Olivia Dellaquila
October 25, 2008
Hey Papa,
Its me Olivia. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!:) I miss you sooooooo much and I wish you were still with me and our family. Guess what. You will never belive this but I went with Dad, Mom, Joseph, Uncle Kevin, Auntie Gina, Sammi, Jordyn, Uncle Joe and Auntie Maryjean to Italy. It was so much fun because we got to meet all of our cousins finally and we got to tour around. I didn't really have a favorite part because it was all so amazing. Also we got to see where you lived which was in turo. Anyway I think of you everyday and I still loove looking at pictures of you and me when me and you had so much fun toghter with the whole family. Love you forever and ever, Olivia
Diane
October 27, 2007
Happy Birthday oh Daddy Boy!!!!
Your missed so much everyday by us all. I bet you are singing up a storm with your old buddy Luciano Pavarotti up there with you. Enjoy a glass of wine or a shot of Brandy.
Love you!!
Diane
June 7, 2007
Well your a GREAT GRANDPA!!!
We know you where there with us as you made it so much easier.
We are Happy and Proud to announce the arrival of......
Tatum Ryan Struk!
Tatum was born at 3:10 p.m. on Wednesday 6/6/07.
Weight - 6 lbs. 9.8 ounces
Length - 19 inches
Tate is a very healthy little man! Autumn is doing great and was such a trooper. No C-section was needed. She worked hard and did it all on her own.
Jeff is a very proud happy father.
Dad, he is so cute, and I know you would love him so.
We love and miss you.
With lots of love,
Joseph Dellaquila
October 28, 2006
Hey Popa,
It's me Joseph. WOW! It has been a year an three days since I wrote in this book. Well I just wanted to say hi and I just wanted to let you know that were still trying to keep grandma on her feet, even though she's a pain sometimes. But besides that everything is going fine, our football team is in the playoffs and you probably knew this but Autumn is having a baby and eveyone is happy.So I hope you keep watch over everyone one and I still feel your presence so that's a good sign.Love ya a lot.
Love,
Joseph
Caylee Johanson
October 27, 2006
Happy Birthday Gramps! Miss you alot. everyone does! escpecially gram. she's a crab since you've been gone. We all try to help her but it.s not the same. love youf
Diane Johanson
October 26, 2006
Happy Birthday my POPS!!!!
I love you Dad with all my heart and hold your memories close. Thinking of you always puts a great big smile on my face. I miss you and love you.
Vincenza Dellaquila
July 29, 2006
Dad, Thank you for being there for me on Thursday, I felt your presence and I knew you wouldn't let anything happen to me. You helped the doctor keep his hand steady and helped me from getting to nerves. I Love and miss you, Vinnie
July 28, 2006
Hey Pops, Thanks so much for always watching over us. I miss you so. We never stop thinking about you or even talking about you. You have given such characteristic to our family that we continue to teach our families.
I love you Dad with all my heart & soul, Diane
This is a speach Caylee gave not to long ago.
“Cayl, we’re going down to Grams. Grandpa’s dying.” These are the words I woke up to two day’s before Thanksgiving at about one o’clock in the morning. As a freshman in high school, I suppose I was emotionally immature and I honestly don’t remember how I felt. I think subconsciously I just understood and calmly went back to sleep. When my mom got home, “Grandpa died,” were the only words she said. Her blunt “matter of fact” way of telling me didn’t stun me. She simply closed my door and I sobbed myself back to sleep.
I always cried when I left his house. Not because it was time to leave, but because I simply dreaded going near the old man with the face like a bulldog in order to say goodbye. I was scared of him.
As I grew into my teens he gradually became vulnerable and familiar. Instead of fear, an aura of determination, respect and honesty surrounded him. He was no longer an admirable stranger; he was my Grandpa. I’d come a long way from not wanting to kiss him goodbye to wanting to learn from him.
Looking back, I regret ever being scared of Salvatore Dell’Aquila and I so badly wish he were still around. Now, as a senior in High School, I strive to be the best person I can be and strengthen who I am as a daughter, sister, friend, and citizen. If Sal were still here, I would continue to look up to him and strive to exemplify the characteristics he found most important in life. He displayed determination and pride by continuously fixing up the house and yard despite his scleroderma and pacemaker. He spread respect to all friends, neighbors, and strangers and he taught honesty by boldly stating his ideas and feelings at our traditional Sunday lunches as a family. These qualities are very evident in all of my family members, and I too wish to carry on the tradition and name of our family.
At the time he passed on, my Grandpa was becoming one of my best friends and one of the greatest influences in my life. If he were still alive, I would be a better person. But have no doubts, I still strive to be the person he would want me to be. I will never amount to be half the person Salvatore Dell’Aquila was, and I would give anything to be able to learn more about him and to become closer to him, but I will do everything in my power to embody who he was as a person and what he represented. I guess I just miss his bulldog face. Caylee
Autumn Struk
June 30, 2006
Gramps,
It's Autumn! I know that it's been a long time. "Happy Father's Day" about two weeks late. We still think about you all of the time, and I know that you are around us guiding us in the correct direction. Be there for Gram and help make her stronger. She's giving up and she's too young to be. Stay with mom too...she needs you! I love you grandpa!
Diane
November 26, 2005
Sully my Father, my Pop, my Dad:
On this day two years ago the angels got together and decides to bring you to our lord above. And the pain of missing you doesn't go away. I miss that grin from ear to ear, you asking for a glass of wine or another shot of Brandy to keep you warm. Those schuffling feet as you walked from room to room looking for something to do, while enjoying life to it fullest. Continue to watch from above and guide as you have always done.
I love you with all my heart!!!!!
Diane
October 22, 2005
My Dearest Pop,
I miss you. As you know, my baby girl got married. You were there with us, smiling, dancing to the music and having some fine wine. We keep your memory and spirit alive within us all.
I truly love you with all my heart.
Vinnie Dellaquila
March 2, 2005
Dad, I'm so sorry I haven't been able to write to you yet, but I hold you in my heart and dream of you always. I hear you calling me in the night that I have to get up to make sure that you are not there. Gina was here with the girl's last week and we all missed not having you at the table and watching you smiling at all your family that I know you are so proud of, but mommy has taken your spot at the head of the table and gives us all the orders now.. Please watch over all of us and give us the strength we need to take care of our everyday problems. Ilove and miss you!!!Vinnie
Autumn
November 28, 2004
Hey Gramps,
Well it's been a year. The thought of you is in my mind daily. Yesterday, a mass was held for you and it brought almost the whole family together at church. I love when things like that happen. You hold our family together even when you aren't here in person. We love you so much grampa and you built a strong foundation in our family that we will continue to live on. I love you!
Autumn
Caylee
November 27, 2004
Hey Grandpa! Happy Belated Birthday and Thanksgiving! Sorry for being so late...this year has been soo hectic for me. But I've been workin hard. We all miss you so much! It's not the same without you. Watch over us all and keep us sane.
Love Caylee
Diane
November 26, 2004
November 26, 2004
Dad,
Happy Thanksgiving. Today, One year of your passing to heaven, it's still so hard to believe. I have learned so much from you and cherish our family time together so much. I know your spirit remains with us, however the pain of your loss still remains. I miss you so much Dad. Watch over us all our guardian angel.
Love with all my heart.
Steven Joslyn
November 1, 2004
Hey "Pops",
Sorry for being late.I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and to ask you to please keep looking over the other half of the "Strunze" team,your son Don.
Thanks for helping guide us this year with the wine.I miss you,it was too quite this year without you.
Love Steve
Joseph Dellaquila
October 26, 2004
Hey Popa,
I was just wondering how your birthday went yesterday, I hope you had a lot of fun. Also I would just like to say that you will always be in my heart and nothing can change that. Like what Steve Joslyn's card says,"A Man Lives When He Is Remembered,"But He Dies When He Is Forgotten."
Autumn Steeves
October 26, 2004
Sorry Gramps, one day late. I love you so much and I thought about you yesterday and I hope that you had the Happiest Birthday ever. Please watch over us all and keep us all strong. I love you so much Grandpa.
Olivia Dellaquila
October 25, 2004
Dear Papa,
You have been in my dreams forever and ever.I love you with all my heart.I hope you liked the wine we made.Keep watching over us and you will be in a great spot.HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA.Love with all my heart OLIVIA.
Joseph Dellaquila
October 25, 2004
Happy 91st you big STURUNZES! It's been one year since you were 91, time has sure gone by quick. I'm sure you miss us because we sure do miss you. So, I hope you watch over me and evryone, and keep the faith in my football team and me as we keep moving on to that state title. Also,your tips and instructions has helped me become a better wine maker and I'll past them onto future Dellaquilas. So I'll talk to you later
Love,
Giuseppe
Diane
October 25, 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! Happy 91st~
As we celebrate the day that you were born, Your light continues to shine brightly within us!! For many years, You've touched and inspired many hearts all around you. Your the wind beneath my wings and the BIG STRONG ANGEL on my shoulder. I miss you with all my heart and soul.
I love you POPS!
Diane
July 8, 2004
My dearest Dad,
I wirte to you to tell you how much I miss you and your smile that I see in front of my face all the time. My heart yearns to hold you near and kiss your forehead, or her you yell again or call me Trouble, or to tell me to watch what I do. I know that you are so much happier in heaven than on earth suffering like you did the last few months of your life. I cry everyday Dad wishing you were here with us all again. I just miss you so much, my heart just doesn't want to let go of you yet. I find it so hard somedays to cope with the feeling of emptiness that I feel within myself. I never would have thought that it would be this hard especially knowing the wonderful long life that you had on earth on the things that you did and saw. It's just so different with you gone. Dad, I love and miss you so much!
Autumn Steeves
July 2, 2004
Hello Gramps: I sure do miss you a lot. I wish that you were still here with us to have enjoyed the trip to California. Gram is holding up well. Please Grandpa, can you help Mom. She misses you so much that she sometimes forgets how to be happy. Please pray for her and bless her with your smile. I miss you greatly and I think of you often. I love you.
Autumn Steeves
February 26, 2004
Hey Grandpa, just wanted to write to you and say hello and I sure do miss you. I have thought about you daily, and every morning when I wake up and get in my car to drive to school, I put down my sun visor and say hello to you, for there is a picture of you there. I miss the feeling of saying hi to you when I walk into grams house. I am going to visit you today at your grave site. I miss you a lot!
Autumn
Danielle Perry
February 24, 2004
Hey Gramp -
You sure are missed!! Gabbi and Jacqui both look at your pictures when we're at Gram's and say "Papa!". I'm so glad that they had the chance to meet and somewhat, know, their great grandfather! How lucky for all of us that you blessed us with 90 years! I can only hope to see my grandchildren get married and to meet my great grandchildren. I often look at a picture I have of you and I dancing together at my wedding...what a great memory it is. You were a beautiful man grandpa, and now, a beautiful memory!!!
I Love You,
Danielle
Caylee Johanson
January 10, 2004
Hey Grampa!
I miss you a lot. More than you would imagine. I've been going through a lot lately so I just pray for you to be by my side and help mom too. I have your picture in my room, my locker, and my school folder so I think about you everyday. It's not really the same at Gram's house when we go down there now. Sometimes we all just kinda sit around in silence. I don't like it. We all miss you so much; please help us know that you are in a better place and we don't have to worry about you anymore.
Love Caylee
Sammi Kerley
January 8, 2004
Hey man,
I miss you alot and I think about you all the time. It still hurts to hear about you being, well, "gone" but I know it was your time to go. I know your happy up there in heaven. I love you alot and I won't forget all the good times we shared.
Love,
Sammi
Autumn Steeves
January 6, 2004
Hey Gramp...I missed you so much this holiday season...it just wasnt the same. We think about you daily and please watch over us and continue giving us your strength and honesty. I love you and Miss you!
Autumn
Trouble
January 1, 2004
Happy New Year Dad,
Everyone really enjoyed the wine this holiday season. You would not believe all the compliments. You guys did real good. The new wine is already tasting special. I miss you so much. Watch over us always from heaven above.
I love you pop with all my heart!!!
Autumn
December 19, 2003
Hey Gramps,
Oh how I miss you. Mommy is having a hard time with the loss of you. Please give her your strength. Let her know that you are doing just fine and that you are here with all of us. I know that she knows that...I know that. I love you Grampa, and I always will. I miss you so so much!
Autumn Lyn
Dave Myslenski
December 13, 2003
Donny and Family,
I am saddened to see the passing of your father. My prayers are with you all.
Dave
Autumn
December 4, 2003
Well Grampa, it's been a week. A hard one at that! You were such a strong man, and that was one of your greatest strengths in which you passed on to all four of your children, and then them to us (your grandchildren). As you already know, I wore my uniform to your funeral, and I collected the flag from the veteran, and I passed it to gramma. I never thought that I did a lot for you, until I did that, and that made me feel complete. I love you grampa, and I will always.
Love,
Autumn Lyn
Lynne Gola
December 3, 2003
Diane
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I never had the chance to meet him, but he must of been one fantastic caring loving person. Just by knowing you and Don I ve learned that. It is a terrible thing losing someone you love so much, I know I felt that way when grandpa passed, but the lord will guide you through it and the pain will ease. You have all your wonderful memories of all your time with you dad and keep them close to your heart, that is what keeps him alive.. I love you Diane and Iam here for you... Bless you...Lynne
Judy VanHook
December 2, 2003
Dear Aunt Rose and cousins,
we are saddened by the loss of our dear uncle. His happiest birthday will be forever remembered by us. We were honored to share in his special day.
our love and prayers cousin judy and family
Alexander Joslyn
December 1, 2003
Dear Grandpa "D",
Thank you for teaching me how to make wine and for making me laugh.I will miss you. Alex
Diane Warner-Canova
December 1, 2003
Dear Diane and Don, You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Always remember and cherish the memories you have of your father. I know he must have been a wonderful person because he raised two of the kindest people I have ever met. Please know you are in my heart today and always. Di
Donna Brown
November 29, 2003
Dear Diane, Don, and Family, My Deepest Sympathy to you both and your families. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. He was a really wonderful, funny, and caring man. I am honored I had the pleasure to have met him. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Always,
Donna Brown & Famiy
Barb,Bill, Mandy,& Matt Latournes
November 29, 2003
To the Dellaquila family, Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Sal was a wonderful man who raised a beautiful family. Your family will keep his memory alive with your love for one another. Sincerely, The Latournes Family
kathy macleod
November 28, 2003
Diane,
Just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow for you.
Caylee Johanson
November 28, 2003
Grampa,
I miss you so much. You're in my heart forever and always. I miss going to your house and seeing you sitting at the table. I miss your arguments with Gramma that I could never understand and your smile. That smile is the best in the whole world; it brings so much warmth and happiness. The holiday's are so different now with out you sitting at the head of the table, leading prayers, and singing holiday songs in Italian. We all miss you very very much but we know you are still around (turning on the t.v. haha very clever). I remember when I used to be scared of you when I was little. But I've grown up, and have learned to love a caring, compasionate, hardworking, loving Grandfather that I will never forget and will love with all my hear forever and ever.
Love always,
Caylee
Autumn Steeves
November 28, 2003
Grampa,
It was your me to go. You are 90 years old and you have lived a great life. You have wonderful children and grandchildren! Now you are up in Heaven with your mommy and my Nana and you are watching over all of us. Thank you so much for your cute smiles and for always saying "You be safe..." before I left the house all of the time. Thank you again for saying bye to gram...I dont think that there is any better way. I love you so much and you will be missed. Please watch over us all!
Love always,
Autumn
Steven Joslyn
November 28, 2003
I will miss you "pop".Thank you for teaching me your secret's,you know the one's im talking about.Love Steven Joslyn and family
Your Daughter, Diane
November 28, 2003
My Dearest Dad.
Words could never express my feelings for you. You have been a wonderful father as well as provider for us all. You have instilled such wonderful traits in us all, and for this I Thank you. You have always been a compassionate and caring person to everyone around. Always caring how others feel, and never how you have felt. Your light and life will shine within us all forever. I love you with all my heart and soul and I miss you.
All my love forever.
Bailey Funeral Home, Inc.
November 28, 2003
Our heartfelt sympathies in this, your time of grief.
Showing 1 - 51 of 51 results
Make a Donation
in Salvatore Dellaquila's name
Memorial Events
for Salvatore Dellaquila
Funeral services provided by:
Bailey Funeral Home - Plainville48 Broad Street P.O. Box 158, Plainville, CT 06062
How to support Salvatore's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Salvatore Dellaquila's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
