Sal Genovese

Sal was a devoted son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, cousin, politician, veteran, and friend. He was generous, fun, kind, loyal, giving, and loving. He had a great sense of humor and loved making his family and friends laugh.

Sal was born in New York on September 14, 1945, to his parents Joseph and Anna. He grew up in Los Angeles with his brother, Joe. Sal traveled each summer with his mother and brother to New York on the train. One day, while in NY visiting his aunts, uncles and cousins, Sal, his brother Joe, and their cousins Mary and Ro spent too long getting back from their fun, so a shortcut was found. Sal and Joe placed a log for them to cross a stream. They all ended up wet, later than ever, and the boys got the brunt of Granny and Great Grandma’s wrath.

Sal was baptized as an infant in the Catholic church. Curious about Christianity for much of his life, he sought to understand more. He found a good friend in Pastor Keith during COVID when the Sunday services moved online. He never missed a Sunday service from then on!

Pastor Keith shared:

“I thank God even through tears for the joy of knowing and loving Sal. And I give glory to God for the gift of salvation and faith in Jesus that Sal received. Blessed are the saints who die in the Lord Jesus.”

Sal was a lifelong learner. He attended Hollywood High School, LA City College, and UCLA Extension. He also served his country proudly in the US Army. He drove tanks in Germany; he was Honorably Discharged. Sal’s resume illustrates his unique, impressive, and varied career. Starting with his most recent jobs – Sal worked as a Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Head Start Program Director, Amtrak Train Attendant, LA Mayoral Candidate, Owner of a Boutique Children’s Store in Pasadena, Executive Director of Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Programs, Salesman, Preschool Teacher, Soldier, Lab Technician, Theater Stage Manager and Craftsman, and early on as a Shoeshine Boy. He also was philanthropic and believed in giving back to his community. In one particular example, he supported the education of a student with developmental disabilities culminating with the student earning his master’s degree. Sal never officially retired; he continued to work, including up to the week before his passing. Sal lived the majority of his life here in Los Angeles, specifically in the same home for the past 71 years.

He was a dedicated family man – an outstanding father to his daughter Michelle, son-in-law William, and grandfather to his grandchildren Will and Brett, and great grandchildren William and Ben. He was ever devoted, joyful, reliable, patient, kind, and generous. His daughter shared some of her favorite memories about her dad:

*Getting her the sandwich she wanted in the pouring rain when she was a sick toddler.

*Helping an elderly lady who fell on a NYC street while everyone else walked by.

*Running away from his mom as she chased him with a rolling pin because he took some food while she was cooking.

*Embracing her now husband and welcoming him to the family the moment he found out they were getting married.

*Walking her down the aisle (and tripping).

*Moving her family into their first home in the pouring rain, during Christmas time - with a pregnant daughter, 79-year-old mother, and son in law with the flu.

*Hosting Tool Camps for his grandsons each summer to teach them how to build a small project.

*Making countless small holiday decorations for Hospice patients and workers.

*Always asking about her family, first thing, during their weekly phone conversations.

Sal lived an active and busy life for years. He had many interests. He enjoyed writing, politics, sports, cars – especially Mustangs, music, sharing good meals, holiday traditions, and any opportunity to travel to visit family.

Sal was a sports fan following basketball, horse racing, golf, football, and the New Orleans Saints, his daughter’s favorite team. He was not a big-time athlete, but he always seemed to win at Bocce Ball. He loved music – including jazz, big band, classic rock n roll, and his grandson’s musical performances. Sal’s favorite song was "Rhapsody in Blue" by Gershwin. He also had an appreciation for theater set design and construction. He was definitely into food – it was his favorite thing. He was always anticipating their next meal before finishing what he was eating - at breakfast he always asked, “what are we doing for dinner?” Italian food was his favorite, especially his mom’s cooking and when his daughter replicated the family recipes. To drink, he preferred a nice glass of wine and a good cup of coffee. Sal was not a cook himself, but he was king of the microwave! He also had a major sweet tooth. His treats of choice - black licorice, jelly belly’s, pastries from Sarno’s, Italian cookies, and lemon ices from New York. Holidays were very important to him. He dressed up for Thanksgiving and Christmas…wore a tie to the house gatherings, with everyone else in pjs.

Over the years he experienced some travel, seeing Rome in the Army, Hawaii, and multiple cross country train trips to visit family in New York and Florida. He also loved seeing his brother last year and was planning another train trip next month – he had all the train numbers written in his notepad on his desk when he passed.