Salvatore Francis Avellina, 85, of Sullivan passed peacefully into eternal sleep on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Regional Hospital with his family at his side.  He was born in Brooklyn, New York to Anthony and Marie Agagnina Avellina on May 31, 1939.

He married the love of his life, Ursula Gratzsch on December 17, 1960 and she preceded him in 2016. He proudly retired from the 75th Ranger Regiment for the US Army. Salvatore was by nature, a true character. His passion for life and sense of humor was evident to all who knew him. He enjoyed college sports and supported Penn State and enjoyed Nascar. He was exceptionally fond of Tina Turner and Prince. He was an avid fan, faithfully enjoying their music. Most of all he loved his family, he was a loving father and “grandpa Sonny”.

Salvatore was a member of the American Legion Post #139, 75th Ranger Regiment Association, US Army Ranger Association, World Wide Army Rangers, Ninth Infantry Regiment and Combat Infantryman Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Marie Avellina, his wife, Ursula Gratzsch Avellina; great granddaughter, Mercy Erika Esmee Shacklee; nephew, Vincent Avellina and brother Joe Avellina.

Those here to cherish his memory are his daughters, Heidi Avellina (Joe) and Debra Shockley (Tim); grandchildren, Melissa Nichole Smith (Michelle) and Anthony John Derengowski; great-grandchildren, Chloe Kaylynn Nykole, Briley Raine and Sophie Alayla Shacklee.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Holmes Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from 11:00 am. until time of service at 1:00 pm. with Pastor Dick Smith officiating.

Burial will follow at Center Ridge Cemetery.