Salvatore Anthony Cianferra
February 12, 1935 - December 12, 2023
88 1/2
Salvatore Anthony Cianferra, 88 entered eternal life on December 12, 2023. Beloved Husband of the late Caterina (Florio) Cianferra for 58 cherished years who preceded him in death in 2020. Son of Sestilio Cianferra and Maria Pone of Pacentro, Italy. Loving Father of Linda, Anthony Cianferra and late Anthony. Proud and loving Nonno of Madison Rogers, Zachary & Jacob Vidra. Predeceased by his loving sisters Nina Fabilli, Amelia Santeufemia, and survived by his younger brother Marco Cianferra, and sister Flora DeChellis.
Salvatore knew from a very young age that his future lay beyond his hometown of Pacentro, Italy. He was ambitious and determined to make a better future for himself and his future family. He ventured to Venezuela to work and gained valuable construction experience that was the spark to his interest in building homes. He lived with his sister Amelia as he gained his footing in the United States by trying different job opportunities such as a Kirby Vacuum Salesman, to becoming a dance instructor with Arthur Murray Dance studios. He landed in a secure position as a lineman at the Ford Wayne Assembly plant and was promoted to a quality control inspector. While working at Ford, he was drafted by the US Army in 1958. He served his country for two years in Osburg, Germany. He worked as a mechanic and helped with translation as needed while in the service. After the army he returned to Ford, where he retired after 36 years. Salvatore fell in love with the state of Florida and said it was the closest thing to Heaven on earth. He built three homes in his life and shared that if he had the chance, he would have wanted to become a builder. He loved his pasta, Italian music, dancing and his daily Frappuccino's accompanied by a Stella Dora cookie. Salvatore had a vision of what he wanted to accomplish in his life and was determined to make things happen and he achieved those goals.
Visitation Friday, December 15, 2023, at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Novi from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Entombment on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11:00 am at Guardian Angel Cemetery, 4701 Rochester Road, (Oakland Township, Michigan).
Donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or visit www.stjude.org or call 1-800-822-6344. Share memories with their online guestbook