March 29, 1929 – January 16, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of a truly wonderful man, Salvatore Scali, at the age of 96. He left us peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital on January 16, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.
Salvatore was born on March 29, 1929, in Cittanova and grew up in Mammola, Reggio Calabria, Italy. In 1956, he made the journey to Port Arthur, Canada to marry his childhood sweetheart, Carmela Furfaro. Together they raised two amazing children, Jim and Josie. They were looking forward to celebrating their remarkable 70 years of marriage. Their life together was filled with love, resilience, and happiness-a beautiful story marked by affection and respect for each other as well as a strong commitment to their faith and family.
As a dedicated family man who worked hard to provide opportunities for his children, he instilled in them strong values centered around respect and honesty. He cherished time spent with his only grandson Vincent and shared many traditions from his Italian heritage while recounting stories about his hometown. He took immense pride in watching Vincent grow up; they enjoyed countless hours together cheering for the Montreal Canadiens hockey team or spending time at “Costa del Sole,” their family camp where fishing trips and dancing the Tarantella were common delights.
Known as Sam by everyone who knew him, he was an exceptional individual full of honor and respect throughout his life. His dedication was unwavering when it came to building a good life for his loved ones. A self-made man with passion and principles driving him forward; he became known for both strength and a strong work ethic. His career began at Crittal Construction before moving on to Great Lakes Steel for nearly three decades where he earned his provincial Hoisting Engineer Class A license. For the last thirteen years before retiring, he worked at Coastal Steel-a company he held in high regard.
An outdoor enthusiast at heart-Sam loved hunting and fishing while tending to a large garden that provided bountiful harvests which he generously shared with neighbors and friends. His Italian roots brought him great pride along with fond memories of making homemade wine which he enjoyed gifting to those close to him.
Some of his happiest moments were spent at his camp on Amethyst Heights overlooking Lake Superior where every visitor felt welcomed like family. Playing bocce ball or enjoying weekly card games with friends were highlights alongside regular dinners out together after long evenings filled with laughter over funny stories or jokes exchanged among companions. Above all else though-his greatest joy stemmed from being surrounded by family; offering support whenever needed proved essential in living out the values Sam held dear through genuine kindness towards others within reach-all showing deep respect towards this true gentleman whose legacy is defined by love for those around him.
He leaves behind many who will cherish their memories including: Carmela-the devoted love of his life; son Dr. Jim Scali; daughter Josie (Tony) Riccio; loving grandson Vincent Riccio (Vanessa); plus two special great-grandchildren: Olivia & Matteo Riccio.
Surviving siblings include brother Cosimo (Giudittina) Scali along with sisters Giuseppina Rinaldis & Caterina (Angelo) Cardillo residing in Vancouver BC; also surviving are sisters-in-law Rose Albanese & Mena Lombardo along with brother-in-law Greg (Susan) Furfaro all from Thunder Bay-as well as sister/brother-in-law Anne & Sam Fiorenza based out Ottawa ON plus numerous nieces/nephews across various regions such as Thunder Bay/Ottawa/Vancouver/Italy respectively!
He was preceded in death by parents Carmela & Vincenzo Scali alongside brothers Luigi (Angelina), Giuseppe & Nicodemo; sister Angela (Giuseppe) Luca followed thereafter by mother/father-in-law Giuseppina & Francesco Furfaro plus brothers-in-law Domenic Lombardo/Nicodemo Albanese/Nicodemo Rinaldis-and also mourning loss includes son’s longtime companion Allison Dawn Seuret too!
The funeral services honoring Salvatore Scali will take place Thursday January 22nd @11:00AM inside St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church located @123 Hilldale Road-with Father Luigi Filippini officiating proceedings! Visitation hours available prior between10-11AM allowing family/friends time together before mass begins! Private interment follows thereafter within St. Andrew’s RC Cemetery settled into family’s mausoleum grounds afterwards concluding ceremonies nicely arranged earlier thus providing opportunity online streaming via this link here: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=b7Eogfj Aols
The family kindly requests no flowers but instead appreciates donations made under memory tribute specific towards charities chosen accordingly.
Online condolences can be expressed via www. sargentandson. com A heartfelt thank you goes out from Salvatore’s relatives thanking staff members involved throughout planning phase helping navigate funeral arrangements successfully during this difficult period-their professionalism truly touched our hearts immensely appreciated indeed! A very special acknowledgment extends toward Father Luigi Filippini reflecting upon comfort given spiritually throughout guidance offered whilst administering final rites observed recently performed during hospital stay too! Additionally-we want express gratitude directed towards Dr. Edwin Webster who provided compassionate care delivered consistently over many years along side supportive assistance provided directly through son Dr. Jim Scal who’s been there every step supporting home comforts likewise! Sincere thanks reaches everyone involved within Paramed health team delivering outstanding assistance seen firsthand aiding Salvatore comfortably throughout duration spent returning homewards afterwards again later culminating grateful appreciation directed specifically ambulance personnel responding promptly initially then exceptional doctors/nurses attending diligently right until final days passed gently ensuring utmost care received accordingly-we are forever grateful! Moreso we extend our deepest gratitude recognizing entire extended families who’ve honored/respected Salvatore all throughout lifetime-gatherings occurred late evening surrounding bedside presence leading unto peaceful goodbye moments experienced together-it meant world knowing so many cared deeply contributing positively shaping everything lived previously leaving lasting impact felt eternally onwards further beyond today onward still continuing forth endlessly appreciating profoundly always…
Online condolences can be expressed via www. sargentandson. com A heartfelt thank you goes out from Salvatore’s relatives thanking staff members involved throughout planning phase helping navigate funeral arrangements successfully during this difficult period-their professionalism truly touched our hearts immensely appreciated indeed! A very special acknowledgment extends toward Father Luigi Filippini reflecting upon comfort given spiritually throughout guidance offered whilst administering final rites observed recently performed during hospital stay too! Additionally-we want express gratitude directed towards Dr. Edwin Webster who provided compassionate care delivered consistently over many years along side supportive assistance provided directly through son Dr. Jim Scal who’s been there every step supporting home comforts likewise! Sincere thanks reaches everyone involved within Paramed health team delivering outstanding assistance seen firsthand aiding Salvatore comfortably throughout duration spent returning homewards afterwards again later culminating grateful appreciation directed specifically ambulance personnel responding promptly initially then exceptional doctors/nurses attending diligently right until final days passed gently ensuring utmost care received accordingly-we are forever grateful! Moreso we extend our deepest gratitude recognizing entire extended families who’ve honored/respected Salvatore all throughout lifetime-gatherings occurred late evening surrounding bedside presence leading unto peaceful goodbye moments experienced together-it meant world knowing so many cared deeply contributing positively shaping everything lived previously leaving lasting impact felt eternally onwards further beyond today onward still continuing forth endlessly appreciating profoundly always…
