Obituary of Salvatore Chiarello

If you are reading this, I guess it was my time. But you can bet I made the most of every moment – I even got to play one last session of pickleball before my ascent.

Sal peacefully passed away at the Sault Area Hospital on Monday, November 17, 2025 at the age of 66. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Connie; his children Pasquale (Valentina) and Kristina McLarty (Dave); and his cherished grandchildren, Jake and Jade. He is the son of the late Maria and the late Pasquale Chiarello. He will be deeply missed by his brother Frank (Anna) and his sisters Lina Valente (Cosmo) and Rose Drewitt (Paul). Son-in-law of Maria and the late Albert Garofalo. Brother-in-law of Tony Garofalo (Patti), Lorenzo Garofalo (Nita) and Anna Maione (Lio). He was a proud and devoted uncle to his many nieces and nephews who adored him.

Sal and Connie were inseparable. Married for 45 years, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a routine that was entirely their own. They did everything together – from playing pickleball, to enjoying coffee on the boardwalk, to going to the gym, biking, walking and sharing all the simple, everyday moments that made up the rhythm of their life. And while Connie was his partner in all things, his confidant, his joy, and the person he loved the most in this world, family was the centre of his universe. He was endlessly proud of his children and absolutely cherished his grandchildren – they were his heart, his pride and his greatest treasures. Everything he did, every routine he built, and every moment he lived was rooted in his love for them.

Sal lived his life with the kind of energy, humour and friendliness that made every day brighter. He had a rare gift: he never met a stranger. Whether he was out for a coffee, riding his bike, walking around the block, or stepping onto a pickleball court, he somehow walked away having made a new friend – usually several. He would do anything for everyone, giving his time, help and heart without ever expecting anything in return.

His personality was infectious. He was hilarious, easygoing, outgoing, and impossible not to love. When Sal entered a room, it instantly felt lighter, happier and a whole lot better and brighter.

He was absolutely in his element on the pickleball court. Whether his winning shots were talent, luck or “creative strategy” is still up for debate – though Sal insisted it was pure skill. And if he wasn’t on the pickleball court, you could catch him riding his bike – but he was never happier than when he was playing pickleball.

The laughter he sparked, the friendships he formed, and the warmth he shared so freely will continue to shine through in all of us. His fingerprints will never fade from the lives he touched.

Though he has moved on to whatever cosmic pickleball league or celestial bike path comes next, Sal’s spirit says here – in our stories, our smiles, and every moment we choose joy the way he did.

We will miss his humour, his hugs, his conversations with literally anyone nearby, and the way he made the world feel friendlier, better and brighter just by being in it.

May he rest in peace, knowing he played a great game, lived a great life, and left the world better – and brighter – than he found it.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Aziz for everything he did, and to Dr. Jenkins, Dr. Carlson, Dr. Rassouli and the dedicated staff at the Sault Area Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion and support.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Father Jeff Shannon officiating. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial donations to the Sault Area Hospital Cancer Care Fund would be greatly appreciated.