Obituary of Salvatore Fama

Salvatore L. Fama, age 78, beloved husband, father, friend and teacher, died February 27, 2009 following a progressively debilitating illness.Sal was born in Ansonia, Connecticut on May 27, 1930 the son of Sicilian immigrant parents Carmelo Fama and Lucy Lastrina. After attending a technical high school, he served in the Korean War as a medic. After the war, he was the first in his family to attend college graduating from Fairfield University with a Biology degree in 1957. He went on to earn his Master's degree in Biology and then teach there. His love of teaching led him to Andrew Warde High School where he had a very successful 30-year career teaching science and biology. Mr. Fama was not a conventional teacher as he courageously brought his students outside the classroom. His passion for science was contagious, as many of his students later have said that he was the one to inspire them to study to be doctors, nurses and scientists.After retiring, he did not slow down, and his unconventional approach to life did not wane. He was a business owner, phlebotomist, pilot, singer and actor. He was a spiritual man in his own way continuing to learn and teach whenever the opportunity arose.He is survived by his wife Joyce, fours sons Vincent, Matthew, Paul and Salvatore II, two step sons Lee and Scott, seven grandchildren Jamie, Tony, Philip, Liam, Annamarie, Gregory and Viviana; as well as many friends and former students who will miss his adventurous spirit and love of learning.A Memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 3, 200 at 6:30 PM in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd., Fairfield. The family will receive friends on from 4:00 to 6:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice, 777 Commerce Dr., Fairfield, CT 06825.