1924 – 2015

FARMINGTON — Salvatore G. “Sam” Yacono, 91, of Farmington, formerly of Rochester, N.Y., died in the early hours of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 26.

He was born Jan. 2, 1924, in Rochester, N.Y. He received his education in Rochester schools and earned his bachelors and two masters degrees from SUNY, Bridgeport; in elementary and special education and educational administration.

He was a World War II veteran, having served in the European Theatre, stationed in Italy and in France.

He married Carmel M. Meli, his childhood sweetheart, on Sept. 21, 1946. She predeceased him in December, 1995.

He was a devoted educator in New York, working in the Rochester City School District as a special education teacher and coordinator. He also taught English as a second language and driver’s education. In retirement, he continued to teach driver’s ed and was curriculum coordinator at Our Lady of Mercy High School.

He was a communicant of Holy Name of Jesus Parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Rochester, N.Y.

Sam was described as a “jack-of-all-trades; and master, as well.” A stranger was simply a friend he had yet to meet. He was always “present” for those in need.

He spent many happy years with his dear friend and life partner, Gisele Beaulieu, in Spruce Creek, Fla., and for the past 5 years in Farmington.

He is loved by his life partner, Gisele Beaulieu; his children, Thomas Yacono (Lisa) of Silverthorne, Colo.; Carol Yacono-Harrison of Rochester, N.Y.; Cynthia Kline (Raymond) of Sturgis, Mich., and Celeste Sharpe (Thomas) of Larchmont, N.Y.; 12 grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; his sister, Ann Catanese of Kansas; and brother, Angelo “JR” Yacono (Linda) of El Paso, Texas.

He is predeceased by two sons, Kenneth Yacono (February of 1984) and Samuel Yacono (August of 1998); and siblings, Lucy Catanese, Joseph Yacono, Connie DeFiore, Mary Barbato and Lewis Yacono.

Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com and on www.bartolomeo.com.