Salvatore Joseph Branciforte's Obituary
Branciforte, Salvatore J.
Born in Brooklyn, New York March 31, 1920, Sal passed away peacefully in his home July 29, 2012 at age 92. Sal, or 'Tony", as he was called by family and old friends, was the second of four children born to immigrant parents, Nicolo and Concetta. As was customary in those days, Sal worked very hard to help support the family. His youth was witness to the roaring 20's, the Great Depression and the outbreak of World War II. Sal enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as Quarter master on a ship that surveyed islands in the South Pacific guiding passage for the big fleets to follow. He contracted and survived malaria, and at the war's end he returned home and met the love of his life, Mina Valenti. They married May 17, 1947 and moved to Queens in 1950 to begin their family. In the early 50's, Sal decided to further his education, and with 3 children at the time, and a full time job, he completed night school at the Stern School of business at New York University in 3 years, earning a Bachelor's degree in accounting. Subsequent jobs introduced him to the Kaskel family, who offered him the position of Vice President of Finance for their properties in Florida. He moved his family to Miami in 1969. Sal was responsible for the financial activities of the Doral Hotel on the Ocean and the Doral Country Club and Spa. He spent the next 25 years of his working life dedicated to furthering the Doral world class resorts. Their vision brought him to pioneer the development of what is now known as, "The City of Doral". He worked closely with former Mayor Steve Clark, County Manager Merritt Steirheim and other politicians, lawyers and other professionals to re zone and plan the project. He retired at age 74 and enjoyed his retirement with his devoted and loving wife of 61 years, until her unexpected passing in 2008. Sal will be lovingly remembered for his courage, devotion, generosity and love for his family and friends. His lifelong ideals of integrity and ethics will be honored by his children, Robert (Ronnit), grandchildren, Michael and Stephen, who called him "Poppy", daughter Joan (Pat), son James and predeceased son Edward. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his caregiver of almost 4 years, Mena Rizzo whose dedicated care and attention to his every need allowed him to enjoy a good and dignified quality of life.
Services will be held at Church of the Little Flower, Coral Gables at 1:30 PM Saturday, August 11, 2012.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards a tribute bench in his memory at Fairchild Tropical Gardens.
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