Obituary of Salvatore J. Straniero

 Salvatore John Straniero, Sr., 95, of Farmingdale, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025, surrounded by his family. Sal was born in Matawan and lived with his parents and sisters on a farm in Holmdel before settling in Hazlet.

Sal was a wonderful husband to his wife, Amy (Dailey) for 61 years. They enjoyed spending time together, with the highlight of their travels being a 3-week trip to Sal’s parents’ homeland of Italy. Sal liked to boast that his wife was a fantastic cook. He was the absolute best father to their children, Amy Giles (Walt), Salvatore, Jr. (Jennifer), Jim (Melissa) & Sherri Afflitto (Mike). He was the most loving Poppie to Salvatore, III, Sarah (Richie), Samantha (Alex), Gabrielle & Abigail. Sal loved watching his children & grandchildren at sporting events, recitals & band concerts.

Sal was a talented master craftsman. A cabinet maker by trade, he owned his own business and then worked as a carpenter at AT&T, retiring after 25 years. He was a member of the Atlantic Shore Woodturners Club where he enjoyed sharing his love of wood turning with other members, high school students, and the public at the Monmouth County Fair. He crafted many pieces of furniture, peppermills, bowls, pens & birdhouses.

Since his early thirties, Sal battled heart disease. Despite this, he lived a full & happy life. He ran five marathons, played bocce, was a member of the Italian American Association of the Township of Ocean, the Equestra Train Club & the Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out). He was a past volunteer for the Hazlet First Aid Squad and at Sunnyside Equestrian Center. He loved reading biographies and sitting in the sun. He always had an impressive tan.

Sal was a devout Roman Catholic and assisted with projects at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Union Beach. After moving to Farmingdale, he attended St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.

Sal was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Mary (Tomasino) Straniero, and his five older sisters, Rosalie Maraia, Marie Straniero, Nicoletta Straniero, Lucy Ross and Beatrice Morea. He is survived by his wife, four children, five grandchildren, and his younger sister Viola (Chickie) Diodato. He leaves behind many adoring nieces and nephews, in-laws, friends and his Equestra neighbors, who were like family to him. Sal will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 8:30 AM, to gather for the procession to his 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 31 Asbury Road, Farmingdale. Entombment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery & Mausoleum, 169 West Main Street, Freehold. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com