Salvatore "Sal" Pappalardo

Salvatore "Sal" Pappalardo, 83, of Blandon, PA, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024.

Born on February 28, 1941, in Rockville Centre, NY, Sal was the second of six children of Mary and Sal Pappalardo. His early years were spent in Shawnee, PA, where he cultivated a love for nature and a strong work ethic, helping his father in the family’s ceramic tile business.

At just 16, Sal met the love of his life, Joanne (Murphy) Pappalardo, at a St. Matthews dance in East Stroudsburg. Their romance blossomed into a beautiful marriage in August 1962, lasting over six decades. They worked hard, day in and day out, to raise their six children, who thrived along with a posse of other free-ranging neighborhood children, all welcomed into their home.  

In 1967, Sal and Joanne built their dream home in Stroud Township, PA. Their neighbors were not just friends but like a close-knit family, and they spent many happy times together. They enjoyed 47 wonderful years there before moving to Berks County, PA in 2015. As the founding residents of Sasha Lane, Sal and Joanne welcomed all newcomers and helped build a community of love and supportive friendship.

Sal was a devoted family man. His wife and children were always the center of his universe. Despite a demanding work schedule, he always found time for his children and grandchildren, nurturing their growth with patient attentiveness and good humor. He heartily enjoyed good food with family and friends, and meals were always punctuated by his signature earth-shaking laughter. He enjoyed completing projects around the house, gardening, landscaping, and telling stories to everyone he met. His journals, written almost daily since 1998, reflect a life of contemplation and gratitude.

Sal’s dedication to his family matched his commitment to his vocations.  His passion for education led him to Villanova University and then East Stroudsburg University, where he earned a degree in elementary education. For over 30 years, he inspired young minds as the beloved “Mr. Papp,” a fourth-grade teacher at Morey Elementary School in Stroudsburg. His classroom was a place of learning, acceptance, and humor. He relished his role as a teacher and spoke fondly of his time in the classroom. Sal cherished his friendships with colleagues and students throughout his life, even in his final days. He also continued to practice masonry up until his early 80s. An artisan with tile, stone, and brickwork, he often worked tirelessly to provide for his family.

Sal is survived by his loving children: Gina Mistishen (Nicholas) of Harrisburg, PA, and grandchildren Emily and Tony; Salvatore Pappalardo of Carmel, IN, and grandchildren Salvatore Jr. and Quinn; Jerusalem Walker (Miguel Ocampo Lopez) of Copper Hill, VA, and grandsons Josep, Amos, and Silas; Daniel Pappalardo (Charlotte Weber) of Worthington, OH, and granddaughters Renna and Evie; Kathleen Murray of Reading, PA, and grandson Waylon; and Eileen Coleman (Marc) of Effort, PA.

He is also survived by his sister Rosemary Piazza of Gainesville, FL; brothers Peter (Lynn) Pappalardo of East Stroudsburg, PA, and Frank (Michele) Pappalardo of Bethlehem, PA; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sal was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne, cherished granddaughter, Elena Mistishen, brother, Paul Pappalardo, and sister, Jean Prem.

Sal’s life was a testament to hard work, kindness, and community. He leaves a legacy of dedication, humility, and wonderful memories that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the Joseph J. Pula Funeral Home, Inc., 23 N. 9th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. Father Michael Quinnan will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Church of St. Luke, 818 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.  Family will receive friends from 10:00 am to the time of service.

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