Salvatore J Contini

Salvatore J. Contini, 57, of Cadyville, New York, passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at his home after a long and courageous struggle with Lou Gherig’s Disease (ALS). He was born in Bristol, Connecticut on September 19, 1951, the son of Efisio and Mary (Sassu) Contini, both deceased. Sal proudly served his country for 25 years beginning with a two year tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps when he was 18 years old. In April 1983 he began his federal law enforcement career as a United States Border Patrol Agent in Temecula, California. In 1985 he transferred to the Chula Vista Station in San Diego, California and in 1987 he was promoted to the position of Border Patrol Aircraft Pilot flying from Brownfield Airport. In February 1989 he was reassigned to McAllen, Texas where he continued flying. In August 1998 Sal relocated to Massena, New York where he continued federal service as a criminal investigator for Border Patrol’s Anti-Smuggling Unit. In May 2002 Sal transferred to Plattsburgh, New York where he worked once again as a Border Patrol Aircraft Pilot. He was promoted to Patrol Agent in Charge of Air Operations in 2003, and in Oct 2005, he was reassigned to United States Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch, and promoted again in Oct 2007 to the position of Supervisory Air Interdiction Agent, retiring in January 2008. Flying was his passion. Sal flew single- and double-wing airplanes, helicopters, a citation jet and other aircraft. He was a certified flight instructor. Sal was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2166 in Dannemora, a member of St. James Church in Cadyville, and a member of Airborne Law Enforcement Association. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Sal is survived by his wife, Lisa M. Contini, married on August 24, 1985 in Rockford, Illinois. He is also survived by his three children, Giuseppe Contini, Giovanna Contini and Regina Contini. Calling hours will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM at St. James Church in Cadyville. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery in Cadyville. Donations in the memory of Salvatore J. Contini may be made to Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.