Salvatore Joseph Dabbene

In Loving Memory of Salvatore Joseph Dabbene

June 30, 1941 - June 20, 2026

Salvatore Joseph Dabbene, known to all as Sal or Sally, and affectionately known in childhood by a Sicilian nickname, “Sciagada”, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose life was defined by hard work, loyalty, and deep love for his family.

Born on June 30, 1941, Sal was the son of Michael Dabbene, an Italian immigrant who came to New York from Sicily, and Josephine (nee Tranchina), who came from New Orleans before marrying and moving their family to South Brooklyn. He grew up on 3rd Place in South Brooklyn with most of his family within a short distance. He attended PS 142 before later moving with his family to the Midwood section of Brooklyn. There he attended PS 197 and went on to graduate from James Madison High School.

Sal often shared stories of shining shoes on the corner near 3rd Place on Sunday mornings after 7 am Mass. Sal and his beloved brother John, who predeceased him, would often argue about who really stood on that corner. Over time, however, family confirmed it was Sal who had done the work. For Sal, those mornings shining shoes were where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance.

Sal proudly served in the United States Army Reserves, first in the active reserves from 1961 to 1962 and then in the inactive reserves from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1967. During that same period, he began the training that would define his career, attending the Local 3 apprenticeship school from 1962 to 1967.

Sal went to spend 42 years as a member of Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He worked at the World Trade Center when it was first built and retired in 2004 - just a couple of months before his first granddaughter, Brooke, was born, who held an especially meaningful place in his heart and who affectionately began calling him “Papa,” a name that lovingly stayed with him ever since. In the years that followed, he was equally proud and devoted to his three other grandchildren, Alyssa, Alex, and Jordan. Nothing meant more to Sal than his family.

In May 1971, Sal married the love of his life, Sara (nee Rosenberg), who he shared a lifelong bond with. Together, they built a life centered on family, raising two children who were the heart of their world. Through the years, they remained devoted to one another and to the family they created, sharing a connection that was uniquely their own. In their own way, they loved each other deeply, and that love was reflected in the life and family they built together.

Sal cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, especially the simple moments together. In Saratoga Springs, the family gather often at the pool, creating countless summer memories. In the winter, Sal loved spending time on the beach in Delray Beach, Florida, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren and talking with friends while watching them play bocce.

At home, Sal was known for his hands-on nature, his funny shirts, and his strong opinions about fixing things. While he would argue with his son, who had no desire to fix anything, Sal made a point of teaching his daughter how to change receptacles and ceiling fans - even though he would have much preferred to do the work for her himself. It was his way of sharing his skills, independence, and care.

A lifelong baseball fan, Sal began as a Brooklyn Dodgers fan and later passionately rooted for both the Yankees and the Mets.

Sal is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, his children, Scott Dabbene (Erica), Sue Dabbene; his cherished grandchildren, Brooke, Alyssa, Alex, and Jordan.

He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Josephine Dabbene; his brother John Dabbene; his sister Francine Cohen and her husband Roy; his sister-in-law Tova Cohen and her husband Bert; his nephew Ronald Cohen; and many aunts and uncles.

Sal leaves behind many friends and family who will miss him deeply. He will be remembered for his work ethic, his stories, his devotion to those he loved, and the quiet pride he took in the life he built. Though many knew him as Sal or Sally, the name he treasured most was “Papa,” the name that reflected the greatest joy of his life - his family.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026 at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Salvatore can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.