Salvatore J. Guastella

God created the perfect son, sibling, husband, father, and grandfather with Salvatore. He was a son of the late Sicilian immigrants Calogero and Filippa Guastella, raised in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn NY. When Sal entered first grade, he didn’t understand English. He recalled coming home and crying because he didn’t understand what anyone was saying.

Our dad joined the Navy and honorably served his country in WWII. Through his military service, he was given the opportunity to pursue further education. Ultimately the little boy who did not speak a word of English graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in mechanical engineering. The first college graduate in his family relished the opportunities America had opened for him.

He worked for Bethlehem Steel for 32 years and took great pride in his work. Our visits to Brooklyn required passage over the Verrazano. He never failed to comment “I helped build this bridge!” After retiring, he continued to give back to his community by volunteering at Bethlehem Public Library and his fellowship Club at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. His Catholic faither played an integral part in his life. He felt fortunate to be a member of the original Steel Club which afforded him the chance to golf and socialize.

His life revolved around his family. He weas the devoted husband of Alberta for 74 years. He had a close-knit relationship with his siblings, Lillie, Tommy, and Nicky. He was a doting father to his three daughters, Diane, Fay (Roethke), and Debbie (Ciganek). A hand on grandfather to his seven grandchildren, Theresa, Joyce, Becky, Joe, Jill, Lisa and Laura and was thrilled to see his 13 great-grandchildren! Sal treasured his family above all. Sundays were for big Italian dinners with family. It was important to him to maintain traditions. He was the perfect example of hard work, selflessness and love.

He was truly the “GREATEST” of the “Greatest Generation” and we were so very lucky to have been in his life.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 10-10:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3219 Santee Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church or The Carmelite Monastery, 3551 Lanark Rd., Coopersburg, PA 18036.