Obituary of Salvatore J. Zerilli

Salvatore J. (Sal) Zerilli passed away peacefully the evening of Monday, August 30, 2021 at the age of 87. Sal was born in Staten Island, New York to Helen (Monte) and Paul Zerilli. He went to Port Richmond High School and he was a long time resident of Mariners Harbor before moving to Rosebank and then recently residing at Clove Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation. He suffered greatly for the last 3 ½ years. Salvatore is survived by his loving wife Donna of 52 years, and his loving daughter, Helen who was the "Apple of his Eye" and his loving granddaughters, Lauren and Allison whom he adored so very much. Cherished pop to Bill. He was so very proud when he became a grandfather. His granddaughters meant so much to him and he was always so very proud of all their successes and accomplishments and would talk about how proud he was. Sal is also survived by his loving cousin Almina Smock of Westerville, Ohio who was like his sister growing up and was very close to her children Paul, Raymond, Michael. Mark, Peter and Elisa. He is survived by his brother-in laws, John (deceased Jane), Miro (Kathryn) and his sister-in law Vera (Milan). He is also survived by his loving nieces Mira, Branka and Jane and many more loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and great grand-nieces and nephews. Sal began his career (for 47 years) at Bethlehem Steel as a Deckhand and a Rigger. When Bethlehem Steel closed he later worked for Brewer Dry Dock Company until closure and then began working at Jackson Engineering, First Marine and Caddell Dry Dock Company. Sal had a funny sense of humor. He was always joking with you and hoping to make you laugh. He loved talking about history. He enjoyed watching Jeopardy- he knew the answer to every question. He loved watching history movies, war movies/documentaries and old time movies. He knew places, dates and times like the back of his hand. You could give him a date and he would tell you what happened on that day in history. He had such an amazing memory. He enjoyed watching his baseball, especially his Yankees. He would be clued to the tv set when his Yankees were playing. His favorite football team was the NY Giants and would enjoy watching them play too. He loved reading and listening to his Italian music, especially Caruso and Carlo Buti. He enjoyed his desserts so much, especially his cannolis and cheesecake. His desserts made him so happy. He also enjoyed his Atlantic City bus trips and road trips with his wife and daughter. He enjoyed playing his lottery and scratch-off tickets. Sal was a wonderful, hardworking, loving, caring and smart person you can ever know. He will be greatly missed. He truly loved his family so very much with all his heart. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Tuesday, 9/7, departing at 10:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's R.C. Church (Rosebank) at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Monday, 9/6, from 2:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm.