Sebastiano Salafia

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Sebastiano “Sebby” Salafia, 87, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 24th at Middlesex Hospital. Born on January 30th, 1937, in Melilli, Sicily, he was the son of the late John and Carmelina (Girgenti) Salafia. He emigrated to the United States in 1956 at the age of 19 on the Andrea Doria and settled in Middletown, CT with his sisters and parents. In 1960, he returned to Italy to marry his wife Carmelina Cannata. Together they returned to Middletown, CT where they built their family dynasty. 

Sebastiano was a hard worker, dedicated friend, faithful husband, proud uncle, protective brother, strict father, and devoted grandfather. He was a very strong individual who fought to live despite having several medical conditions. Everyone who met him couldn’t help but notice his beautiful crystal green eyes which sparkled with pride when he was amongst family and friends. 

Sebastian is survived by his loving wife Carmelina, and his three children, John Salafia and wife Robin, Enza Hofferth, and Silvana Pepitone; he was predeceased by his son-in-law Salvatore Pepitone. He treasured his time with his seven grandchildren; Alicia Wylaz and husband Damian, John Salafia and wife Briana, Robert Hofferth and wife Devyn, Alyssa Hofferth, Matthew Hofferth, Joseph Pepitone, Sofia Pepitone; and three great-grandchildren Olivia Wylaz, Jack Wylaz, and Nella Salafia. He loved being their Nonno, always being there for them. He is also survived by his three beautiful sisters Josephine Giardina, Lucy Milardo, and Mariuccia Andolina; and a brother-in-law Giuseppe Cannata and wife Tina. As well as, many nieces, nephews, and cousins both here in the United States and Italy. He was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law Sebastiano and Vincenza Cannata and sister/brother-in-laws Carmelo Cannata and wife Tina, Emanuel Giardina, Mario Milardo, Corrado Andolina, and Lucia Cannata. 

Sebastiano worked in many trades including tiling and plumbing before retiring from Pratt and Whitney in 1996 at the age of 59. He was a member of St. Sebastian Church in Middletown and the Italian Society. His passions were hunting, fishing, crabbing, making homemade wine, gardening and he loved to cook. He was an incredible man and will be missed every day. His memories will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. “Ti vogliamo bene….. assai, assai.”

We are grateful to his home caretakers, Nola and Sharon, for their care and assistance from 2021-2023. As well as, the staff on the fourth floor of Water’s Edge Center for Health and Rehabilitation. 

Friends and Family may call at the Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High St. Middletown, on Sunday, May 5th, from 5-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington St., Middletown, on Monday, May 6th at 10:00 am. Burial will be held in the family plot in St. Sebastian Cemetery Middlefield following the Mass.

In Lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Sebastiano Salafia can be sent to either St. Sebastian’s Church Renovation Fund or Middlesex Health Hospice Unit, 28 Crescent Street, Middletown, CT 06457. https://middlesexhealth.org/donate/hospice-donation-form