Salvatore Pinardo

Salvatore Pinardo

Salvatore W. Pinardo, of Toledo, Ohio passed away at home on December 18, 2021 surrounded by his loving family after a relentless battle with GPA Wegner's, complicated by his Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis at birth. He was 20 years old. In that 20 years, Sal ignited a community of support that stretched far beyond Toledo; that support was known and felt throughout his entire life.

Sal was born on August 4, 2001 to Rick and Jenny Pinardo, and is the middle of three children. His older sister, Olivia, was his idol. From a very young age, you could find Sal sitting court-side cheering her on as she excelled on the basketball court. He was so proud of Olivia as her coaching career flourished; and he traveled far to meet her teams and support her goals. His younger sister, Giana was his cherished, strong and steadfast supporter and caregiver. Sal was so grateful for her graceful way of putting his needs before her own, always.

Sal attended Christ the King School, and then graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in 2019. He was born to be a Knight... following his father's footsteps, Sal excelled in sports: playing football, baseball and basketball- all proudly in a Knights jersey… Sal always had the biggest cheering section. Sal's faith flourished at St. Francis, guided by Father Ron Olszewski, who provided the support that empowered Sal to handle his life's journey with courage, gratitude, and a real humility that was inspiring to witness.

Music was also a huge part of Sal's life. He loved all types, from all decades. Friends from all over the country submitted songs for Sal on social media to create the most eclectic playlist which lifted his spirits throughout his final months.

Over the past two years, Sal courageously suffered through many serious and physically painful complications. When the pandemic made it difficult for Sal to be around extended family and friends, he found a loyal best friend in his service dog, Bill. He and Bill went everywhere together. Bill even made a surprise visit to the hospital, and stood guard at Sal's bedside the entire last week that he was home.

Sal cherished the simple things in life: watching his beloved Cleveland Browns, spaghetti dinner Sunday, Euchre on a Friday night, or meeting up with his aunts and cousins at the park for a walk with Bill, Sal never took time for granted. He had the intuition and wisdom at a young age to prioritize things that most 20-year-olds don't even consider. He was funny and charming; he loved having the "big brother" role with the younger kids, and he was a thoughtful and generous friend.

Sal knew he was blessed with a giant, resilient, Italian family whose support never wavered. He is preceded in death by his grandma, Colleen Jiannuzzi; his uncle, Vincent Jiannuzzi; and his grandfather, Guy Pinardo. He is survived by his parents, Rick and Jenny who relentlessly advocated for him and provided world class care; his sisters, Olivia Fouty and Giana Pinardo; his grandmother, Virginia Pinardo; his grandfather, Bill Jiannuzzi; and his many aunts and uncles, Nikki Bazzoli, Sara (Mike) Klocinski, Angie Jiannuzzi, Maria (Matt) Johnsen, Felicia (Chase) Yacko, Carl (Laura) Pinardo, Vicki (Rob) Maloy; cousins, Amanda, Jordan, and Drew Pinardo, Jaclyn Martz, Neil Maloy, Annie and Lena Bazzoli, Rebecca, Noelle and Charlotte Klocinski, and Liam and Benjamin Yacko. Sal was fortunate to have found love and companionship with his fearless and loyal girlfriend, Christina Baldwin, who cared for him tenderly. Sal also had a special bond with his uncle, Matt Johnsen, who courageously signed on the dotted line to donate his kidney to Sal…The transplant he fought so hard for, but was never able to receive.

Friends and family are welcomed on Wednesday, December 22nd from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. Toledo, Ohio. A funeral mass to celebrate Sal's life will take place on Thursday, December 23rd at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Lane Toledo, Ohio.

The Pinardo's would like to extend their eternal gratitude to all of Sal's Pals who have supported them throughout the years. They would also like to thank the medical professionals in the Pulmonary Department at Promedica Toledo Hospital; The DeVita Dialysis Center; and countless departments at The Cleveland Clinic, for their dedicated care. Throughout his life, Sal participated in countless studies guided by these professionals. In the end, Sal knew the best way he could help others was to donate his body to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for Medical Research…the ultimate sacrifice.

To honor Sal's life, the family is accepting donations to the Sal Pinardo Scholarship Fund at St. Francis deSales- to be awarded annually to a student who leads with the character, strength, and faith that Sal displayed everyday.

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