Salvatore was born on March 12, 1933 in San Giovanni di Gerace in Reggio Calabria, Italy. He was the son of the late John Dominello and Maria G. Bruzzese. At the age of 14, he immigrated to Meriden. It was then that he would meet his father for the first time as WWII had separated them before his birth. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict from 1953-1955 as a soldier in the 505TH QM Co. and six additional years in the Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged in 1962.
Upon returning from overseas he began working with his brother Ralph, and brother-in-law, Joseph Lombardo at Modern Tailors, which later became Modern Men’s Shop. Their storefront began on Lewis Avenue, moved to Pratt Street and then onto East Main Street where he spent nearly three decades. Eventually moving to Broad Street where he would be joined by his two sons.
Salvatore enjoyed coaching youth soccer for the Meriden Boys Club and had several championship seasons. He was a wonderful role model and mentor to his players whom many would continue to visit him at his store throughout the years. Besides coaching he was an avid fan of the UCONN women’s basketball team and World Cup Soccer. He was a proud member of the Unison Club and served on several committees. He especially enjoyed coordinating the children’s Christmas parties in the 1980’s and the college scholarship fund in the 1990’s.
He loved traveling with his wife Rosa. They enjoyed many memorable trips together. He was a faithful Christian and a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children; John of Southington, Salvatore Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Cheshire, Maria and her husband Michael Turner of Middletown. He was an adored Nonno to his seven grandchildren; Isabella and Giancarlo Dominello, Nicholas, Lauren and Christian Turner, and Jack and Carter Dominello. He is also survived by his aunt, Carmela Bruzzese of Meriden, sisters-in-law Elena Dominello, Grace Fazzolari and husband Sal; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins in Connecticut and abroad.
Salvatore is pre-deceased by his sister and brother-in-law Alfonsina and Joseph Lombardo and his brother Ralph Dominello.
Salvatore loved Hollywood. One of his proudest moments came when the East Main Street store was chosen as a film location. Subsequently Salvatore was cast to play himself as Robert DeNiro’s tuxedo tailor in the 1989 movie Jacknife. Salvatore loved Meriden and it was his pleasure to serve his customers and community for over 50 years.