March 29, 1929 – January 16, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Salvatore Scali’s passing at age 96. He quietly left us on January 16, 2026, at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital surrounded by his devoted wife and family.
Salvatore was born on March 29, 1929, in Cittanova and grew up in Mammola, Reggio Calabria, Italy. In 1956 he moved to Port Arthur, Canada to marry his hometown love, Carmela Furfaro. Together they raised two wonderful kids – Jim and Josie – and nearly reached their 70th wedding anniversary. Their life together was built on love, strength through hard times, laughter, faith in God, and deep respect for each other and their family.
He was a tireless worker and a true family man who gave his children plenty of chances to succeed. Salvatore taught them the value of honesty and respect above all else. He especially treasured time spent with his only grandson Vincent – sharing Italian traditions and stories from back home. Watching hockey games with Montreal Canadians on TV or spending hours fishing or hunting were some of their favorite things to do together. The family camp “Costa del Sole” was another place full of great memories where they’d dance the Tarantella as Sam played his button accordion.
Everyone called him Sam; he carried himself with dignity all his life and worked hard to give his loved ones a good life. A self-made man full of drive and principles – he started at Crittal Construction then spent almost three decades at Great Lakes Steel where he earned his Class A Hoisting Engineer license. His final thirteen years before retirement were with Coastal Steel-a company he truly respected.
Sam loved being outdoors-hunting, fishing-and put a lot into tending his big garden every year. Neighbors often got shares from his harvests. Proud of where he came from in Italy and humble beginnings too! Folks knew him for making homemade wine that he generously gave out to friends and family.
Some happiest times were spent at the camp on Amethyst Heights by Lake Superior; there you’d always find an open door and lively gatherings whenever someone stopped by. He enjoyed bocce ball games plus weekly card nights with close pals called Compares followed by dinners out around town. Even though tough as nails on the outside Sam had a sharp sense of humor that lightened any room-always ready with jokes or funny tales for friends to enjoy together. What brought him joy most was simply being surrounded by those he cared about deeply-family especially-and lending a hand when anyone needed it most. Everyone admired Sam’s genuine kindness along with the honesty that shaped who he was throughout life’s ups & downs.
He leaves behind those who loved him dearly: his devoted wife Carmela; son Dr Jim Scali; daughter Josie (Tony) Riccio; grandson Vincent Riccio (Vanessa); plus two precious great-grandchildren Olivia & Matteo Riccio.
Also surviving are brother Cosimo (Giudittina) Scali; sisters Giuseppina Rinaldis & Caterina (Angelo) Cardillo-all living in Vancouver BC-and sisters-in-law Rose Albanese & Mena Lombardo; brother-in-law Greg (Susan) Furfaro from Thunder Bay; Anne & Sam Fiorenza from Ottawa ON among others including many nieces/nephews scattered between Thunder Bay, Vancouver Ottawa, and Italy.
He was preceded in death by parents Carmela & Vincenzo Scali; brothers Luigi (Angelina), Giuseppe & Nicodemo; sister Angela (Giuseppe) Luca; mother/father-in-law Giuseppina & Francesco Furfaro plus brothers-in-law Domenic Lombardo, Nicodemo Albanese,& Nicodemo Rinaldis as well as Allison Dawn Seuret who long shared life with Jim.
The funeral service will take place Thursday January 22nd at St Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church located at 123 Hilldale Road starting at eleven o’clock AM officiated by Father Luigi Filippini. The church will open one hour earlier for visitation between ten until eleven AM. A private burial will follow later in St Andrew’s RC Cemetery inside the family mausoleum. If you can’t make it there yourself the mass can be viewed live online here: https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=b7Eogfj Aols
The family kindly asks that instead of flowers donations may be made honoring Salvatore’s memory toward any charity meaningful to you.
Online condolences or tributes can also be left at www. sargentandson. com
The Scali family wishes to thank Sargent & Son Funeral Home staff sincerely for their thoughtful help arranging everything professionally during this difficult time. It meant so much having your support.
A special nod goes out to Father Luigi Filippini for comforting spiritual care including last rites administered at hospital. Also heartfelt thanks go to Dr Edwin Webster who has shown compassion looking after Salvatore over many years plus Dr Jim Scali whose loving presence helped keep things steady at home.
Additionally huge appreciation goes towards Paramed health workers providing kind care right in Salvatore’s own house. Special recognition must also go toward ambulance crew along with doctors/nurses/staff inside Thunder Bay Regional Hospital giving such excellent attention during final days. We are truly grateful beyond words for all you did.
Sincere thanks also go out toward everyone in our extended family circle who stood close showing love, honor, respect-not just throughout entire lifetime but even those very last moments gathered around him till goodbye. At heart you were always important parts of Sam’s world.
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