Rosario G. (Sal) Lampone

Rosario Lampone, 85 Rosario Gaetano (Sal) Lampone 85, of Kissimmee Florida, Passed away peacefully at Osceola Regional Medical center on Thursday, March 23, 2017, with his family at his side after a long and hard fought battle with Parkinson's Disease. Sal was born on August 23, 1931 at home on Bogart Avenue in Bronx, New York to immigrant Italian parents, Gaetano Thomas Lampone and Francis Olivia Lampone. After obtaining his high school diploma, Sal worked in the neighborhood soda shop, "Frank’s" and joined the National Guard. Shortly after joining the National Guard, Sal was enlisted in the US Air force. After enlistment his Air Force unit, the 106 Tact-Con Squadron was deployed for duty in Newfoundland during the Korean War conflict. Sal received an honorable discharge in February 1954 from the Air Force as a first class staff sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense Service Metal during his service in the military. After his military service Sal entered the food service industry opening his own luncheonette in the Bronx and then later in Larchmont, New York. During this time, Sal married his wife, Rosemarie and began to raise a family, which in 1956 he moved to York Town Heights, New York to open an Italian restaurant, the Vittorian. Due to cold winters and to seek new opportunities, Sal moved his family to Fort Lauderdale Florida in 1968 to continue his career in the hospitality industry. By 1971, Sal was promoted to food and beverage manager for Holiday Inn’s and by 1975 moved into management as General Manager and Inn Keeper for several Holiday Inn’s with-in the South Florida area. Sal and his wife Rosemarie relocated to Central Florida in 1984, where Sal took a position as the Food and Beverage Manager of the newly opened and acclaimed Radisson Inn and Justice Aquatic Center and Hotel in Orlando Florida until 1993 when he retired. In retirement Sal spent time with his family and friends. To be active and stay busy, Sal was the manager of all food and beverage at the Osceola Flea and Famers Market and then several years later became a vendor part-time selling merchandise and premium cigars up until 2010 when he could no longer work due to Parkinson's. During his life and in retirement Sal enjoyed a variety of sports, including the usual Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Sal also enjoyed boxing and horse racing. His passion for horse racing expanded to owning and racing thoroughbred horses at Calder Race Track in Miami Gardens Florida. His two favorite thoroughbreds were Dee’s Daughter and Lieutenant Ted. Sal was a very loving and supporting husband, father, son-in-law, brother and brother- in law, grandfather, and uncle of fifteen nieces and nephews and their children. Sal is survived by his wife, Rosemarie of 61 years, his daughter Anne Lampone of Orlando, Florida, son Dr. Thomas Lampone and his wife Leanne Lampone, of Pensacola, Florida. Sal was extremely loving and proud of his two grandchildren, Thomas Rosario Lampone and Lia Catherine Lampone, both of Pensacola, Florida. Sal was predeceased by his brother, Leo Lampone and Sister Santa Pilla. Sal was also predeceased by his sister in-law, Maryann Messuri (Rosemarie’s sister), whom Sal introduced to his friend, Anthony (Tony) Messuri. Tony later became Sal’s brother in-law. As the story (or Fable) goes one day at the luncheonette, where they both worked at, Sal made Chicken with tomato sauce and "rosemary". Both Sal and Tony had tried a portion when Tony commented, “Sal, this is good, how did you make it?” Sal replied, "I made it with rosemary." Wow, stated Tony, does she have a sister?" Tony passed away; one year and two days prior to Sal's passing. Both men considered each other as true brothers. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 31, 2017 from 4 - 6 pm, at the Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home with a service at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Sal's name and honor to the National Parkinson Foundation at the link below or by calling 1-800-473-4636 Arrangements under the care of Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744 407-847-2494 https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SPageNavigator/donate_form.html?tab=tribute&_ga=1.98461343.1048847228.1490470431

Rosario G. (Sal) Lampone

August 23, 1931 - March 23, 2017