Salvatore "Sal" Vacca, age 78, of South Lyon, passed into eternal life early Sunday afternoon at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital following an unexpected heart attack he suffered on Wednesday.

Sal was born on November 15, 1947, in Veroli, Frosinone, Italy, to the late Natalino and Loretta (Mauti) Vacca. At the age of 13, he immigrated to the United States with his father in 1961, beginning a new chapter rooted in opportunity, hard work, and perseverance. He was raised in Dearborn, Michigan, where he graduated from Fordson High School.  He met the love of his life, Eileen Condon, and the two were married on March 6, 1971, and together built a beautiful life centered on family, tradition, and devotion.

Sal and Eileen made their home in Farmington Hills, where they proudly raised their two children, Dante (April) and Deanna (Drew). Nothing brought Sal greater joy than his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and adoring grandfather "Nonno" to Will, Harper, and Rowan — the true light of Sal and Eileen's lives.

Sal was known for his infectious smile, unwavering loyalty, and deep love for family, friends, and food. To be welcomed into Sal's home was to be greeted with a glass of his famous homemade wine, an incredible meal prepared entirely by hand, and always, a toast of his beloved limoncello to finish the evening. A perfectionist by nature, Sal believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing perfectly — whether it was cooking, winemaking, curing prosciutto and sausage, or mastering his legendary potato pizza. He even built his own wood-fired pizza oven on the deck, bringing authentic Italian flavors to many gatherings.

A tireless worker, Sal founded and operated Creative Cement in 1970, which he built from the ground up — quite literally starting with a shovel and wheelbarrow — and grew into a respected business serving the community for over 55 years. His extraordinary work ethic, determination, and pride in craftsmanship were admired by all who knew him.

When Sal wasn't working or cooking, he could be found tending to his vegetable garden, tackling home improvement projects, enjoying his prized red 1970 Jaguar — which he famously rebuilt a couple of times and proudly drove to car shows — or traveling the world. Though he enjoyed cruises and exploring new destinations, his heart was often drawn back to Italy, where he cherished time spent with extended family in Veroli. Whether aboard a cruise ship or cruising the lake at home on his pontoon boat, Sal had a remarkable way of turning every moment into a celebration.

Sal was deeply proud of his Italian heritage and took great joy in passing down traditions to the next generation, especially sharing his passion for winemaking with his son Dante. He was steadfast in his convictions, honest to the core, and never afraid to stand firmly for what he believed was right.

Sal's remarkable life — defined by hard work, loyalty, generosity, tradition, and love — leaves behind a legacy that will forever inspire those who were blessed to know him.

Sal is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Eileen; his children, Dante (April) Vacca and Deanna (Drew) Campbell; his cherished grandchildren, Will Garibaldi, and Harper and Rowan Campbell; his sister, Milena (Americo) Mauti; and many loving relatives and dear friends both in the United States and Italy.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Sunday afternoon, February 1, from 1-6 pm.  A time of prayer and remembrances is planned for 4:00 pm.

Sal's funeral mass will be celebrated Monday morning, February 2, at 10:30 am (in state at 9:30 am) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 711 Rickett Road, Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are kindly suggested to the American Heart Association .

Sal will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, forever present in every shared meal, every raised glass, and every gathering of family and friends.