Firefighter Salvatore Scarentino was a member of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) assigned to Ladder Company 24‚ located at 142 West 31st Street‚ New York‚ NY. He was appointed May 9‚ 1984. A 24.9-year veteran of the FDNY‚ he died on March 21‚ 2009‚ from acute cardiac failure. Firefighter Scarentino was 51 years old.
While working a night tour on March 20‚ 2009‚ followed by a day tour on March 21‚ he responded to one fire‚ nine emergencies‚ and one false alarm. Less than twelve hours prior to his death‚ Firefighter Scarentino‚ working at the outside vent position‚ performed his duties–vent‚ entry‚ and search-at an all-hands fire in Manhattan. an all-Hands fire response involves twelve fire department units under the command of two battalion chiefs and a division chief. Ladder Company 24 operated for approximately 40 minutes at this fire.
Sal was a good firefighter; it was his calling. He was a devoted and caring husband and stepfather. Sal wasn’t a perfect man‚ but he tried harder than anyone to be perfect‚ and he didn’t miss by much.
Firefighter Scarentino is survived by his wife‚ Diane‚ and stepsons‚ Christian and Justin Houser. He is also survived by two sisters‚ Rosemarie Ragusa of Flushing‚ New York and Ann Scarentino-Butts of Redondo Beach‚ California.
Sal was a Great firefighter. Very funny to be around. I learned a lot from him in the firehouse. Great guy! Old school, hard worker! Aggressive at fires and he loved to help people. He is missed !
– Jimmy HI was a neighbor of Sal Scarentino, but was not as close as others on the street . I knew Anne more than his other family members. His mom and dad were very nice people, and I am sure Sal followed in many ways. The last time I saw him was at my fathers funeral (Anthony Parisi). It’s funny how we all go our separate ways, but the true neighbors and friends find out about each other in all ways possible.
– joe parisiSally, you will be missed. Rosemary and Annie, my kindest regards and condolences. Anne or Rosemary, I can be reached at 914 485 1212. I know your mom and dad have passed, I am sure they were great people. I am sorry I didn’t stay in touch before now. My best to all.
Joe Parisi
North Salem NY 10560
Sorry I missed the wake and funeral. If you need me 914 485 1212 Thanks for every thing
– Joe Parisi