This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Salvatore J. Perruccio, 89, devoted husband of Sophia Perruccio for 66 years and lifelong resident of Old Saybrook, passed away on Dec. 6 after a long illness. Salvatore (Sal) was born April 18, 1929, in Middletown.

He graduated from Central Connecticut Teachers College, went on to receive his masters degree from the University of Hartford and Wesleyan University, and received his certification in psychology from the University of Connecticut.

Sal had a varied career. He was the first principal of Lyme consolidated schools and was principal at Mile Creek School in Old Lyme. He was a psychologist for the Federal State Corrections. He was a school psychologist and retired at 85 from the Old Saybrook school system as a guidance counselor and school psychologist. He was a business owner and founded Perruccio’s Village Shopping Center in Old Saybrook (Tots and Toys).

Sal was a veteran of the Korean war, having served in the US Army. Sal’s life was devoted to helping children realize their best selves. He was devoted to his family and friends. The loss of his wisdom, insight, and sense of humor is a great loss to the community.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sophia Pattavina Perruccio, and will be dearly missed by his son Mathew Perruccio and his wife Nathalie Burdet Perruccio, his daughter Lisa Perruccio Rufo and her husband Joseph Rufo, and son-in-law James Linehan husband of predeceased daughter Kathleen Linehan. Salvatore is survived by six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He leaves behind many other relatives and close friends. Sal was also predeceased by his son Thomas M. Perruccio and Kathy Linehan.

A wake was held on Dec. 11 at the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Interment service was held in St. Sebastian’s Cemetery on Dec. 12.