Salvatore V. Collura

Salvatore V. Collura, 73, died at Amita Alexian Brothers, on June 9 th , 2020 from
complications of Pulmonary Hypertension. Preceded in death by his beloved wife
Helen. Cherished father of Jennifer (Frank) and adored “Uncle Sol” to many nieces
and nephews. Admired brother of Fran (Al), Bob and Rick. Treasured friend to many
near and far.
Salvatore Vincent Collura was born to George and Rose Collura on December 15,
1946. Determined at a young age, surviving Polio and having to learn to walk again,
he went on to finish high school. After high school, he first dabbled in computers
working at Steinway Drugs, where he met life-long friends, Ed (Patty) and thelate
Gina. His next work adventure was Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, where
he was later known as the “Best Boss Ever”. He met his late wife and soulmate,
Helen, through his employee, her brother, when he would call to speak to him and
ended up talking to her on the phone. They were married in 1976 and had one
daughter Jennifer Leigh. They moved to Roselle in 1977 and lived there until their
deaths. With his well-known work ethic, he worked his way up to Manager of
Information Systems at Great Lakes and would earn his degree from DePaul
University as an adult student, which both he and his family were extremely proud
of. After about 20 years at Great Lakes, he had an opportunity to achieve a life-long
dream of being his own business owner. He was the owner of Nancy’s Pizzeria in
Elmhurst, which he and his wife enjoyed running. He would later retire and enjoyed
keeping busy and working at Bed, Bath and Beyond up until his illness.
Sal loved Las Vegas. He had been going to Las Vegas, as far back as when it was
mostly desert. He could stand and watch the Bellagio Fountains forever. He also
loved playing slots at the MGM Grand. He also loved Arizona, Camelback Mountain
and the Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale. He also enjoyed golf and gardening when he
was able to. An avid reader, he read all kinds of thrillers. If there was a new James
Patterson book, he was reading it. He also loved Audrey Hepburn, in particular
‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’. He also loved all kinds of music, but his absolute favorite was
Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks. He loved the film ‘Young Frankenstein’ and could
literally recite lines all day from that film. He also loved ice cream, all kinds, but
most notably vanilla.
Sal was a self-less person who always thought of others first no matter what. He
was a thoughtful soul, who would give you a card to cheer you up, to thank you and
for all holidays. Sometimes it was a “just because” card. A lot of times, he would
include small thoughtful gifts as well. It’s just how he was. A memorable person that
touched every person he ever met. A fun person with a good sense of humor. He

believed in hard work and respect. Always look and keep moving forward. Be a
good person no matter what. That is truly what is important in life. Something he
always reminded you when things were stressful or down-Keep smiling! Even with
his illness, he never stopped being this person. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks to make a donation to your favorite charity
or to Shriners Hospitals or Pulmonary Hypertension Association.