On Tuesday, September 27, Salvatore Michael Lombardi Jr.,  a loving husband of fifty five years and father of two, passed away peacefully at the age of seventy-seven.  He was comforted and surrounded by those he loved; his family and friends. 

Sal was born in 1944 in Brooklyn, New York to Salvatore and Ethel Lombardi and raised in Ansonia, Connecticut. He was a proud graduate of  Notre Dame High School of New Haven, Connecticut.  He earned an Associates degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America and an undergraduate degree in Business from the University of Bridgeport, Bridegport, Connecticut 

Though trained to be a chef, his culinary career was cut short with his decision that the cooking lifestyle was not conducive to his standards of being a father and husband.  He put his knowledge and skills learned from his culinary training and Business degree together and made a thirty three year career ,from which he retired, as a School Lunch Director for Waltham Public Schools, For fourteen years, he also shared ownership of the Carvel Ice Cream store in Chelmsford with his beloved wife. His cooking passion and prowess were left to be shared with friends and family.

Sal’s heart had no limits when it came to sharing and giving.  He wanted to share experiences that connected all of us.  His passion for music, theater, dance and movies was endless and he was always on the lookout for something new or moving.  He found no better joy than sharing these forms of human expression with his friends and attending concerts, shows or movies with them.  

Sal gave you his full attention and would always make the most simple of things special. Due to his culinary prowess, food was an obvious thing to give and share and he did so in abundance. His family and many friends enjoyed  many gourmet experiences of food and wine.  He routinely would prepare meals designed with leftovers so that he could pre-package meals for friends in need.

Sal was a constant seeker of spirituality and the common elements of humanity that connect us regardless of culture, race, religion and lifestyle.  He was a strong believer in social justice who put belief into action.  Holidays and gatherings were inclusive experiences of family and friends, always a celebration of diversity and bringing people together. It was not uncommon to find an unknown guest at a meal or celebration whom Sal had met and invited to join. The invited guest, though entering as a stranger, would leave as a friend.

His seeking led him to the First Parish Church of Groton and the Unitarian Universalist principles.  He was an active member in the congregation,  on committees, leading worship,, preparing food for events, supporting teens in the Mentor Program, and supporting social justice initiatives

He was a lifelong learner who consistently sought out opportunities for personal growth.  After retirement he found a second career which tied together his love for cooking and his love of people.  He started as a substitute teacher and eventually landed a position as a Culinary Teacher. This was a true calling, a blending of his skills, passions and beliefs.  The excitement of teaching and encouraging students was observable as he spoke of his teaching experiences and connections with students. The positive impact on students was evident with the many that reached out to him thanking him for his support and encouragement.

All in all, he incorporated the best of being a father and a grandfather, the best of being a husband, the best of being a man and the best of  being a human.  He was by no means perfect, and certainly had his faults as we all do, but it was his constant desire, effort to try to be the best person he could be; to be kind, to give and to love.

Sal is survived by the love of his life, his college sweetheart, Diane, his son Bryan and daughter-in- law Rebecca, his daughter Karen, his five grandchildren; Will, Olivia, Jake, Abraham and Shehla, his sister’s Isabella and Josephine, nephews Jon and Scott and niece Wendy.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 3:00pm at the First Parish Church of Groton; 3 Powderhouse Road, Groton, MA. 01450.  

In lieu of flowers donations may be offered to one of the following:

Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry; 234 Barnhum Rd Devens MA. 01434

Stone Soup Kitchen Ministries; 41 Littleton Road, Ayer, MA. 01432

Care Dimensions Hospice Care; 125 Winter Street, Lincoln, MA.01773