Salvatore Anastasio
Salvatore Anastasio, born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 12, 1932, died from heart failure on February 11, 2016, in Southwest Florida. He is survived by his devoted wife Lynn Sarda, his two daughters Carla Anastasio and Mary Weissmann, and a grandson Troy Grant, his two step daughters, Sigrid Sarda and Inga Sarda, his god daughter, Jennie Talley, his sister Antoinette Barnecott, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his first wife Dolores Zeni, his brother-in-law Dino Zeni, and his brother Albert Anastasio.
Sal graduated from the Kuralt Institute of New York University with a PhD in mathematics. He maintained a lifelong love of mathematics, philosophy, theology, history, and all things Italian. Following his graduation, Sal taught at Iona College, Fordham University, and for 30-plus years at the State University of New York at New Paltz. Though he authored a book, his passion was truly for teaching. He carried this into his life after he retired, teaching at the Lifelong Learning Institute and tutoring.
Sal was a devout Catholic. He attended and was a lector at St. Josephs Church in New Paltz and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal here on Pine Island.
When in New York, Sal loved to eat in good restaurants, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, attend classical concerts, stroll through Central Park, and go to Mets games. An avid Mets fan, he had rooted for the team since its inception. He loved listening to classical music, especially Beethovens Late Quartets or the music of Arvo Part and trumpet pieces.
While on Pine Island, Sal loved working with the Food Pantry, the Beacon of Hope, the Museum of the Islands, and the Saint James City Civic Association. He thoroughly enjoyed the people he worked with as well as the work itself.
He enjoyed his 3-mile walks on the island, hiking the trails of the Calusa Land Trust, exploring the beautiful natural places nearby. He rekindled his love of photography and joined the Hotshots. He loved making his family recipe for meatballs and sauce for friends, an endeavor that often took all day. Most of all, he loved the happiness his years on the island brought him. And he shared that joy with others, with humor, dignity, intelligence, kindness, and genuine caring.
Sal holds a special place in the hearts of many and he is greatly missed. A gentle soul.
In addition to a funeral mass to be held in New Paltz, we shall have a celebration of Sals life on Pine Island in the early spring.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a contribution to Bread for the World, Doctors Without Borders, or the Calusa Land Trust. Or, you may simply just enjoy a warm smile as you think of one of Sals many wonderful puns.