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POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Salvatore Joseph Cerniglia, 86, of Poughkeepsie, died Oct. 20.
The son of Jenny and Philip Cerniglia, he was born June 1, 1930.
He was the husband of Beverly Jaycox Cerniglia, who survives.
Cerniglia graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1948 and attended the College of Aeronuatics in Flushing. Employed as an IBM tool engineer for 45 years, he retired in 1994.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Wappingers Falls, where he served as lector. He also was a member, of the Association of Tool Engineers and the Italian Center in Poughkeepsie.
His greatest passion was sailing. As an active member of Chelsea Yacht Club for 46 years, the breadth and depth of his leadership and involvement in CYC’s historical milestones is noteworthy. He was the architect of present day sailing fleets; as an avid racer, his success was unsurpassed and his wisdom admired. Championships awarded include the B-Fleet Championship in 2003, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 as well as the overall CYC Club Championship in 2014 and for 2016. He sailed and won his final race Sunday, Sept. 24. Of special interest, is the CYC award entitled “IBS”, better known as “I Beat Sal.”
He is survived by his children, Philip Cerniglia and his wife Joan, Eugene Cerniglia, Barbara Brown, Susan Mott and her husband Robert, Mark Cerniglia and his wife Janet and Nancy Cerniglia; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, 218 Mill St., Poughkeepsie. Wheelchair and street level parking located off Vassar Street. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at St. Marys Church, 11 Clinton St., Wappingers Falls, followed by burial in St. Marys Cemetery at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
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