Salvatore Stimma

Salvatore “Tic Tac” Stimma, passed away peacefully at his home in Riverside, Connecticut on April 29, 2025, at the age of 88. After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, Sal was surrounded by the love of his devoted family in his final moments.

Sal was born - in Le Forna, Italy on the beautiful island of Ponza on Aug 31, 1936. Son of Eduardo and Marietta Stimma, He is the brother of Giuseppe, Gabriele, Silverio, Lucia and Antoinetta who all predeceased him. He was the youngest of six. Salvatore was also predeceased by his son Eduardo, who passed away in 2015.

Sal leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Libera, and his two devoted sons, Anthony and Michael. He is remembered as a caring husband, a loving father, and a kind and generous soul to all who knew him.

In his early years in Ponza, Sal worked alongside his father and older brothers as fishermen and fishmongers, selling their daily catch. His adventurous spirit led him to work on oil tankers and, eventually, aboard the private yacht TelStar, where he proudly crossed the equator multiple times—each crossing marked with a champagne toast. He often recalled these experiences with a gleam in his eye.

Sal was known affectionately as “Tic Tac,” a nickname earned for his tireless energy and his constant motion—just like a ticking clock. He also was proud to be one of the first to have a Vespa on his small beloved island of Ponza.

In 1975, Sal moved to the United States with his family in search of new opportunities. He initially worked at Da Vinci’s and That Little Italian Restaurant in Greenwich, CT, owned by family. Yet, his heart remained tied to Ponza, where during the summers he owned L’Ancora Ristorante by the port in Ponza. After several years of traveling back and forth, Sal and Libera put down roots and opened Villa Italia in Stamford in 1983. Together, they built a restaurant beloved by the community, which they successfully ran for over 25 years. To this day, the restaurant remains in the family—a living legacy of Sal’s warmth, passion, and dedication.

Sal’s heart always remained with Ponza. He returned as often as he could, especially to honor two sacred traditions: the memorial for the Santa Lucia ferry, tragically sunk during WWII with his sister and brother-in-law aboard on their honey moon; and the annual Feast of San Silverio, the patron saint of Ponza and protector of fishermen.

Sal had many joys in life—cooking for others, visiting friends, playing cards, and enjoying bocce games. He loved animals, cherished fishing trips, and relished going on cruises with his family. These simple pleasures were the heartbeat of a life lived fully.

Sal will be deeply missed by all who knew him—his family, his friends, his community, and countless others whose lives he touched with his kindness.

A wake will be held on May 5th from 4–7 PM at Lacerenza Macari Family Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. A Catholic Mass will follow on May 6th at 11 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Calvary Hospice Hospital (www.calvaryhospital.org), where Sal received compassionate care from some of the most dedicated nurses in the world during his final year.

May Salvatore “Tic Tac” Stimma rest in eternal peace—his memory and spirit forever in our hearts.