Salvator Torquati

AKRON - Salvator J. Torquati, 92, of the Youngstown area, joined the Lord on April 30, 2015, surrounded by his friends, family and the music he so dearly loved. Salvator, "Sam," enjoyed his last dance on a beautiful spring day, and was welcomed into heaven by his friends, family, and most importantly, his loving wife and eternal dance partner, Phyllis Torquati.

Sam's parents, John and Silvia Torquati, proudly immigrated to the United States from Giulianova, Italy in 1920. Shortly thereafter, Sam was born on Nov. 24, 1922, in Youngstown.

Sam served our country during World War II as a U.S. Army medic. During his service, Sam enjoyed playing the clarinet in the regimental band. After the war, Sam joined his father to run the family shoe store, John's Boot and Shoe Repair, which Sam later took over and ran as a thriving local business.

Sam will be forever remembered by his kind touch, words of encouragement and sage advice.

"Save a dance for us, Sam - arrivederci - until we meet again!"

Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Torquati, who passed away in 2008.

Sam is survived by two sisters, Josephine Richter of Canfield and Ida Torquati, retired lt. col. U.S. Air Force, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three children, Sylvia (Keith) Williams of Medina, Jan (Ray) Bermea of Aurora, and John (Cindy) Torquati of Poland; five grandchildren, Christine (Christopher) Millen, Rob (Trisha) Williams, Michelle Bermea, Leslie Bermea and Elizabeth Bermea; one great-grandson, Henry Williams; and his extended family at Chambrel at Montrose.

Prayers will begin Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Family and friends may pay their respects Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Brookdale Hospice.