Salvatore L. Cutia

Salvatore L. Cutia, 88, (also known as Sal or Sam), of Hempfield Township, passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2018.  He was born March 23, 1930 in Bovard, a son of the late Paul and Sarah (Malia) Cutaia.  He was a member of the former St. Bede Catholic Church AND was a beloved son, brother, uncle, Godfather and friend.  In his youth, he lettered in baseball while studying the academic course at Greensburg High School, from which he graduated in 1948.  He also played in a baseball league as a better than average athlete.  Salvatore remained an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan throughout his lifetime.  In addition, he enjoyed watching the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers games and the PGA tournaments.  He also enthusiastically participated in the Pittsburgh Post Office Golf Tournaments.  After graduation in 1948, he joined the United States Marine Corps and completed basic training at Parris Island.  After serving active duty, he retained his Private First-Class status in the reserves.  In October 1950, he was recalled to active duty and was deployed to Korea serving with the Second Battalion 5th Marine Division.  In September 1951, during combat in the Korean Conflict, he was awarded his first Purple Heart.  Two months later, an incident involving the ignition of a bonfire booby trap caused serious injury for which a second Purple Heart was awarded.  In November 1955, Salvatore was honorably discharged as a Sergeant E4 Marine.  It was with great pride that he served the country he loved.  He remained a lifetime member of VFW Post #33, Greensburg.  Semper Fi!  After his discharge, he attended St. Vincent College while also working at Robertshaw Controls Company.  Later, he relocated to Pittsburgh for a civil service job with the United States Postal Service.  After a 29-year career, he retired in 1990 and returned to Hempfield Township.  In his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, golf, everything Pittsburgh professional sports, but most of all, gatherings with family and friends.  In addition to his parents Salvatore was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Richard (Lucy) Catanese, Josephine Catanese, Rosalie (William) Winslow, Grace (George) Cacic, Mary (John) Kralik, and Joseph Cutaia.  He was also preceded in death by his nephew, Fred Winslow; and his niece, Marlene Cacic.  He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Ralph Marinelli; and their family, nieces, Cindy Alden, and Carol and Bob Mersereau Family; and nephew and Godson, Vincent and Anne Marie Marinelli Family.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Cutaia; and nieces and nephews, Sally and Lucille Catanese, Jan and Clarence Everett Family, Bill and Madelyn Winslow Family, Joan Winslow Family, Mary Anne and Mike Zulisky Family, Joyce and Melvin Tarbuck, and Karen and Patrick Porter Family.  Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Thursday at the LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 516 Stanton Street, Greensburg.  Prayers will begin at 9:15 AM Friday in the funeral home, followed by a funeral mass to be celebrated at 10 AM in St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, Crabtree.  Interment will follow in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont with Full Military Honors accorded by the Armbrust Veterans Association.  www.bachafh.com

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