Salvatore Noto Jr., 80, passed away on May 23, 2026, following a tragic house fire at his home in Catawba, South Carolina. He left this world alongside his loyal dog and constant companion, Max.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Sal left school after the 8th grade to enter the workforce. He was a true, old-school Brooklyn Italian until the very end—a tough guy who loved reminiscing about the old neighborhood, the friends of his youth, the bars he worked in, and the good-natured trouble he managed to find.

It was in one of those neighborhood bars that Sal met the love of his life, Helen. Though his mother, Nana RoRo, initially insisted that "good girls don't hang out in bars" and fiercely opposed him marrying a beautiful Irish girl, Sal followed his heart anyway. They wed and shared 56 blessed, deeply devoted years of marriage. In time, his mother grew to love Helen deeply, and the two Nanas even became best friends.

Sal and Helen eventually moved to Long Island, where he became a successful small business owner, working tirelessly to provide a beautiful, blessed life for his family. In their later years, he and Helen relocated to South Carolina, and they eventually moved onto a generational property with their children and grandchildren.

Sal’s smile truly lit up any room he walked, and eventually wheeled, into. It was simply impossible to meet him without adoring him. He found his greatest joys in the simple things: playing a good game of cards, tending to his garden, cooking, working on word puzzle books, watching a good movie, laughing with friends, and fiercely loving his family.

Family

Sal is survived by his beloved bride, Helen Noto; his children, Salvatore Noto III and Katherine Noto; and his cherished grandsons, James and Salvatore, to whom he was a deeply dedicated Papa. He is also survived by his sisters, Jeannie (Billy), Maryann, and Rose.

Sal was a loving uncle to Lori (Dave), Kelly (Jimmy), Salvatore (Sharon), Kevin (Laura), Billy, and Denise. He was a proud great-uncle, a joyful great-great-uncle, and a beloved figure to countless honorary nieces and nephews whom he cherished as his own. To those he loved most, he will always be remembered affectionately as "Chooch" and "Boubie." He leaves behind a legacy of love that extends across his children's friends from New York, Pittsburgh, and the South.

The family also extends their deepest, heartfelt gratitude to Lauretta, Kevin, Matt, and Joanne for always checking in, visiting, and showing boundless care for his beautiful bride.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Beth Ellen; his parents, Salvatore Sr. and Rose Noto; his parents-in-law, John and Katherine Stickevers; his brother, Anthony; his his sister-in-law Maryann, brother-in-laws, Bobby, Johnny, Willy; and his best friend, Jimmy.

A Message from the Family

We have no words for this nightmare, and our lives will never be the same. The cruelty of this fire, taking our father, his loyal dog Max, and our home and belongings is completely overwhelming. Yet, even in the depths of this darkness, we are so very grateful for the community and the people who have loved him and us. We know we are not alone in our mourning. So many others are hurting with us, and because of that, we are so very sorry for your loss as well.

Visitations will be held on Thursday, June 4 3:00-5:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm at Palmetto Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be on Friday, June 5 at 2:00pm at Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church.