Salvatore Scarlato, of Hauppauge, will turn 90 this coming Saturday, January 14. Sal is known to his friends and family as “an inspiration.”
Born in 1933, Scarlato was raised in Brooklyn. He began his career as a laborer before joining the Naval Reserve in 1949. In 1951, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to Korea soon after. Stationed on the frontlines near Panmunjom, Sal fought in major battles including Bunker Hill and the Hook, in which he earned many honors.
In 1957, Sal married his sweet and beautiful wife, Teresa. Together, they have two loving children, Karen and Thomas, and three wonderful grandsons, Nicholas, Steven and Matthew.
Sal takes immense pride in his family. Awarded a Purple Heart Medal while serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, Sal’s devotion to his fellow Korean War soldiers is admirable.
Today, he serves as the President of the Korean War Veterans Central Long Island Chapter and of the Korean War Veterans Association Department of New York. He was a guest speaker on War Stories, a documentary created by Supervisor Ed Wehrheim’s Office about Smithtown Veterans.
The film was presented at the Smithtown Center of Performing Arts in December 2021.
Sal continues to teach his community and tell “War Stories” through military memorabilia and keepsakes. His collection spans many years, with Sal pointing out several particular items along the way.
Throughout his tour, Sal describes stories behind drawings a South Korean student made for him, and dives into their meanings through his perspective. He shares a poncho he kept from his Korea detail and teaches the different ways it can be used on the battlefield. He also displays a battle banner that was given to him by a Korean Marine.
Sal’s service is, rightfully so, a point of pride for him, and he is adamant that Korean War stories will never be forgotten.
Sal Scarlato’s dedication to his community, both of Veterans and neighbors, is touching.
Do your part and send him a special gift in the form of a birthday card this coming Saturday, January 14, in honor of his 90th year!
