Obituary of Salvatore "Sal" E. LaBarbera
HERKIMER – Salvatore “Sal” E. LaBarbera, age 70, of Main Rd., Herkimer, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at Faxton-St. Luke’s Hospital, New Hartford, after a long illness.
He was born on March 13, 1949, in Utica, the son of Salvatore and Josephine (Battaglia) LaBarbera and attended Frankfort schools. In his early years, he served in the US Army Reserves. On July 1, 1994, he was married to Barbara Wilson, in Herkimer. Sal was employed as a machine operator at Remington Arms Co., Ilion, for over 25 years, retiring in 2006.
He was a life-long animal lover, who volunteered at H.A.L.O., as well as rescuing many animals and providing them loving forever homes. Sal and his wife Barbara were co-owners and breeders of thoroughbred race horses and loved thoroughbred racing. Sal was a talented artist and carpenter who could build almost anything. He and his wife were members of ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts) and found great joy in riding the biggest, baddest coasters they could find. They also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, perhaps his greatest passion. Sal’s open mindedness allowed them to explore a wide range of diverse interests including becoming Oneness Blessing Givers, exploring the inner life and experiencing Sound Therapy in a Salt Cave. Sal was an intelligent, kind and compassionate man with a beautiful, contagious smile and a wonderful sense of humor.
Surviving family members include his loving wife, Barbara Wilson; his daughters from a previous marriage, Anna Maria and Irene; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers. Sal will be greatly missed by his family as well as by his beloved feline family and their dear retired racemare, Helen Genevieve.
In keeping with Sal’s wishes, there will be no scheduled visitation or services.
Anyone wishing to share a memory of Sal, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com.
In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to H.A.L.O., 615 Albany Street, Little Falls, NY 13365. Donations will help save many little lives he so treasured.
Sal’s final disposition instructions were prearranged and entrusted to Funeral Director Don Applegate, at Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s original location, at 102 West St., Ilion, NY (315-895-7722).