Salvador Walter Faia

Salvador Walter Faia passed away on Friday, August 15th, 2025. He was 84-years-old and married to his beloved wife, Kathy, for 50 years. Sal, the youngest of seven children, was born on April 8th, 1941 to Sarah Engolia Faia and Michael A. Faia, Sr. in New Orleans, LA. Sal was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sr. Anglea Faia, MSC, brothers Joseph A. Faia, Sr., Anthony N. Faia, Sr., Michael A. Faia, Jr., and his sisters-in-law, Patricia Meyers Faia and Betty Baye Faia. Sal is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Waters Faia, and three loving children, Forrester Gregory Faia and wife Kimberly, Sarah Faia Carriles and husband Sonny, Julia Faia Pretus and husband Jonathan. Sal's six cherished grandchildren are Elena Angel Faia, Forrester William Faia, Gabriella Catherine Faia, Jack Vincent Faia Carriles, Francesca Ann Faia, and Noah Patrick Carriles. Also, his brother Louis J. Faia and wife Barbara, sister Geraldine A. Faia, and sister-in-law Judy Landry Faia. Sal was an uncle to many treasured nieces and nephews, and a friend to everyone he met. As a 1959 Warren Easton High School graduate, Sal enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed in Philadelphia. When his service came to an end in 1969, he remained in Philadelphia for ten years with Penn Central Railroad, which later became Amtrak. On March 28th of 1973, Sal met Kathy. Soon after, they founded their first business, SAK's Deli & Catering in Philadelphia. In 1975, Sal and Kathy were married in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Three years later, they moved to their forever home in Kenner. They began a new business, Faia Maintenance, which evolved into Faia Construction and DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen. He was a an active parishioner of St. Jerome Catholic Church and a proud member of Dawnbusters Kiwanis Club, BNI, Executive Achievers Association, East Jefferson Business Association, Kenner Business Association, Home Builders Association, American Legion Post 350, VFW Post 7732, Crescent City Stamp Club, and Crescent City Coin Club. Sal lived his life in service to all he loved and encountered. If you needed a ride, a bite to eat, or just a good laugh, he would never let you down. In the spring, his front yard was the envy of the neighborhood, full of lilies and amaryllis. His backyard once housed a walk-in aviary filled with birds. The backyard was also a refuge for turtles, snakes, rabbits, ducks, guinea pigs, and for a brief time, Alice the alligator. Yet his yard was never too crowded for a good crawfish boil. He enjoyed the company of his gym buddies and fellow veterans. His coin and stamp collection was rivaled only by his collection of Zulu coconuts. He was a child at heart when it came to chasing Mardi Gras parades and passing a good time during Saints games. Sal had a kind, loving nature and was a fierce protector of his loved ones. His joyful spirit and delight in life will live on through everyone whose lives he touched. Visitation will be at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Kenner on Monday, August 25th, 2025, at 10 AM. Military Funeral Honors by the American Legion will begin at 11:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will begin at 12 PM, followed by interment at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans. A celebration of Sal's life will follow from 2 - 4:30 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 3310 Florida Ave, Kenner. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation in Sal's name to Joey's Hope For Hungry Children, St. Jerome Catholic Church, or American Legion Post 350 Metairie, Louisiana. Arrangements by L. A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com