Salvatore "Sam" Chiarelli

On August 6, 2021, in his 92nd year, Salvatore was called home by our Lord Jesus Christ. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Salvatore is survived by his devoted wife Nicolina(Curto) of 67 years. Left behind to mourn him are his children Sally Balice (Nick), Michael (Helena), and Vince (Helene). Nonno Sam's pride and joy were his grandchildren, Isabelle Asselin (Chris), Nicole Chiarelli (Daniel Masliyah), Daniella Del Grosso (Luca), Salvatore Chiarelli (Rachael), and Anthony Chiarelli (Colleen). He was also a proud bisnonno to Oliver and Claire Asselin, Amelia Chiarelli, and baby Del Grosso. Sam is now reunited with his parents, Michele and Salvatrice Chiarelli, and his parents-in-law Vincenzo and Calogera Curto. He is lovingly survived by his brothers, Giuseppe (Salvina), Calogero (Rosa), and Paolo (the late Maria). Also left to mourn are his in-laws, the late Salvatore Curto (Maria), Carmelo Sferrazza (the late Alfonsa), and Giuseppe Curto (Maria). He was loved and cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Sam was born in Racalmuto and immigrated to Canada in 1950. In 1955, he returned to his hometown to marry Nicolina, and they began their life together in Hamilton with the love and moral support of relatives and other Italian immigrants. In turn, Sam helped facilitate the immigration of several members of both his own and his wife's family.

Sam had a passionate belief in the importance of maintaining strong relationships with members of the Racalmutese community. He was a founding member and past President of the Trinacria Sports Club and was a Manager of the soccer club. Sam retired from International Harvester with over 30 years service as a welder. He had great entrepreneurial spirit investing in real estate ventures, operating a farm with his brother, and established a successful new home building business with his son.

Together with his partner in life, Nicolina, Sam cherished the family they raised and the lasting friendships they formed. They travelled extensively seeking out new experiences. Their Florida condo represented not only a personal retirement dream but Sam's broader vision as a vacation spot for his family to enjoy. Sam was a gentleman to all who met and knew him with his reserved, kind, polite demeanor. He was the calm, collected patriarch who was happy to sit, listen and watch the animated family banter play out around him. He believed in celebrating life's milestones in a grand way because gathering with family provided great joy and satisfaction.

Dad, you have been a great inspiration to all of us. You have passed on to your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren your best qualities: faith, love, hard work and respect. We are enormously indebted to you for your many sacrifices, dedication and devotion to your family. We love you with all our hearts, and we thank you for the legacy that you have left us.

A special thank you to his physicians Dr. Liang (retired), Dr. Clark and their wonderful staff and Dr. Jog. Our family also extends sincere thanks to the LHIN (in particular Jennifer Crocker), which provided Salvatore's home care services and to his long time PSWs, Melissa, Anisha and Lives. A heartfelt thank you to Sam's home care provider, Jean, who together with his wife, made it possible for Dad to live out his days in the comfort of his home.

Visitation will be held at Bay Gardens Funeral Home, (947 Rymal Road East, HAMILTON) on Wednesday August 11, 2021 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-9:00pm. Due to COVID restrictions, a private Funeral Mass will take place at St. Ann's, ANCASTER, 11 Wilson St. W.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to "Parkinson Canada". Please sign the online Book of Condolences at www.baygardens.ca.