Salvatore Joseph Cristofaro

Salvatore J. Cristofaro, 91, loving husband, father and grandfather, of Plainville, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2023 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.  He was the beloved husband of 64 years to Vincenzina (Olivadese) Cristofaro.

Salvatore, fondly known to all as “Joe the tailor” was born in Girifalco, Calabria, Italy on June 2, 1931, to the late Elizabeth (Marinaro) and Salvatore Cristofaro.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three brothers, Michael, Dominic, and Rocco.

Salvatore apprenticed with a tailor in his hometown and, at the age of 17, he left Italy and came to Plainville.  His first job as a tailor was at Magson Uniforms in New Britain, doing alterations on suits and uniforms.  He was paid $18 a week.  His room and board was $15 a week.  In spite of only netting $3 a week, within a few years he took over a small tailor shop on West Main St. in Plainville and eventually bought Yale Cleaners, expanding it to Yale Cleaners and Tailors which was a fixture in downtown Plainville for many decades.

In 1958, Salvatore returned to Girifalco to marry Vincenzina.  He brought his bride back to Plainville where they have resided ever since.  Salvatore and Vincenzina, more commonly known as Joe and Maria, raised their family initially consisting of two daughters, which over the years grew to include two sons-in-law and five grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Maria, Joe is survived by his daughter, Attorney Elizabeth M. Cristofaro and her husband Attorney Raymond R. Cuatto, Jr.; his daughter, Maria Cristofaro, M.D. and her husband, David C. Stekler, M.D.; his granddaughter, Christina Cuatto and her husband Timothy Fuir; his grandson Andrew Cuatto; his grandson Alexander Stekler and his wife Penelope Ganske; his grandson Nathan Stekler; and his granddaughter Lauren Stekler.  Joe is also survived by his sister-in-law, Rachele Cristofaro and her two children, Sal and Babette; his brother-in-law Vincenzo Olivadese and his wife Rafaella; along with several nieces and nephews.

Joe may be remembered with contributions to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284 or http://www.heart.org

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 9 a.m. from Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church 94 Broad St. Plainville.  Committal will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Plainville.  Family and friends are welcome to gather on Wednesday March 1, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  To share fond memories or expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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