Obituary: Salvatore Cicchino, 89

Salvatore Cicchino, 89, of Freehold Township died on April 5 surrounded by his loving family. 

Born in Pastena, Pr. Isernia, Italy, he lived in Irvington and Scotch Plains before moving to Freehold Township in 1992.

Cicchino was an Italian veteran of WWII who was captured by Germans after the fall of Mussolini and was remanded to a prisoner of war work camp. Starving on meager rations and freezing due to inadequate clothing, Salvatore managed to escape and his legacy was possible due to the kindness of strangers, who helped him along the way, during his long journey home, much of it on foot. In 1952 Sal immigrated to the United States. He was very proud and honored to be an American citizen. Sal worked for PSE&G, retiring in 1980.

He was predeceased by his sister, Luisa. Surviving to cherish his memory, is his wife of over 63 years, Nicolina (Forte) Cicchino; a son, Domenic and his wife, Bonita of Freehold Township; a grandson, Michael of Freehold Township; a granddaughter, Jessica Cicchino and her husband, Robert Oberreuter  of Washington, D.C.; a sister-in-law, Maria Cicchino of Rockaway, NJ; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Visiting at the on Monday, April 9 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Relatives and friends may gather at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 10 9:00 a.m. for the procession to for his 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial.  Entombment to follow in . 

For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.