Mr. Salvatore J. Scarpace

Sal was 93 years of age at the time of his death at Oakwood Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He is the wise and devoted father to Diane, the cherished brother of Helena, and the beloved companion of 37 years to Mary Park. Uncle Sal is well-loved by many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all. Sal was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy; brothers, Frank, John, Larry and Bill; and sister, Rosina. SERVICE TO COUNTRY Sal was a United States Army veteran, having served during World War II with the 39th Troop Carrier (Jungle Skippers) Squadron in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. His squad was prepared to invade Japan, had the atomic bomb not been used. He received his Bronze Battle Star in 2008, after orders for the 39th Association were misfiled at the end of the war. HE TOOK THE TIME TO HELP Sal was dedicated leader and active participant in the American Legion, Post 409, serving numerous offices and positions. To name a few: Newsletter editor, Executive board, Memorial Home board, Life Members’ Club, Chairman American Legion Baseball, State Finance Committee, Bingo worker, Ritual Team, Boys State Chairman, Americanism Chairman, Past Commander, as well as District and Zone Commander. In 2004, Sal received an award from the Veterans Administration Volunteer Services for 2,019 hours of service. At the Detroit VA Medical Center Chapel, Sal was "in charge of the doughnuts” and a Sunday epistle reader. When he could no longer do the readings he passed the baton to niece Laurie, then grandniece Deena. The late Father Vu affectionately referred to Sal as “my commander.” Sal had many friends from the Allen Park Kiwanis Club, where he was past president, and held other positions. He was also an active member of the Forty and Eight, (a World War 1 honor society for certain Legion members) where he served posts as Chef de Gare, Olendars (sp), and Nursing Scholarship Chairman. He participated in many parades riding the 40/8 Blue Goose boxcar and it was among his last visions. He valiantly retold the story of how it was too costly to repair shortly before he died. Sal had a great sense of humor and wanted us to know, " I don’t do windows anymore.” Memorial contributions to honor Sal's life may be made to the American Legion, Post 409, 6737 Allen Rd., Allen Park, MI 48101 or St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church 9000 Laurence, Allen Park, MI 48101