Salvatore Mario Gentile

Salvatore Mario Gentile, known to all who loved him simply as Sal, passed away on September 22, 2026, at his home in Largo, Florida, at the age of 91. He lived a long and full life, one marked by devotion to his family, pride in his country, and a wit that could catch you off guard and make you laugh in the same breath.

Sal was born on July 17, 1935, in Queens, New York, the son of Angelo Gentile and Giovannina Russo. He grew up in a large family, one that shaped his lifelong belief that there was nothing more important than the people you called your own. In 1957, he graduated from The Citadel, an institution that would hold a place in his heart for the rest of his days. He went on to build his entire career at Westinghouse, a company he served faithfully for decades. He was also a proud member of The Elks.

Anyone who knew Sal knew he was his own man. He was stubborn in the best and most exasperating ways, generous to a fault, and blessed with a sharp, sarcastic sense of humor that kept everyone on their toes. He loved visiting his family more than just about anything, and he could reliably be found rooting for his favorite sports teams or keeping up with the news on Fox. He had opinions, and he was not shy about sharing them.

A man of deep and abiding Catholic faith, Sal carried his beliefs quietly and steadily throughout his life. That faith sustained him and those around him, especially in his final chapter.

In his last days, Sal formed a special bond with his hospice nurse, Sullivan Helms, whose father was a 1994 graduate of The Citadel. It was a fitting connection for a man who never stopped loving his alma mater, and a reminder that even at the end, the ties that mattered most to him found their way back to him.

Sal is survived by his wife, Carol Murray Gentile of 68 years, his daughters, Patricia Gentile, Janice Gentile, and Diane Gentile Casey (Gavin); his son, Thomas Gentile; his grandchildren, Faelyn Casey Stone (Jonathan) and Keagan Casey (Jen); and his great grandchildren, Olga, Radik and Colton. Each of them carries a piece of his humor, his loyalty, and his big heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo Gentile and Giovannina Russo; his brother, Frank Gentile; and his sisters, Louise Gentile, Margaret (Maggie) Silipo, and Sister Catherine (Mina). We take comfort in knowing he has been reunited with them, and that he now rests in the peace promised to the faithful.

Sal will be interred in the Columbarium at Summerall Chapel on The Citadel's campus later, returning at last to the place that meant so much to him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to The Citadel, https://foundation.citadel.edu or to the Chapters Health Foundation https://www.chaptershealth.org/foundation/hph-hospice-donation, in gratitude for the compassionate hospice care he received.