Salvatore Cipriano died peacefully of complications related to COVID-19 on January 16, 2021. Born April 30, 1931 to Frank and Rose Cipriano, first generation Americans who were so proud that their son was the first in their family to go to college. Survived by his wife of over 68 years, Helen (nee Farley), his high school sweetheart. Beloved father of Jeffrey (Mollie), Gary (Mary), Susan (Larry) Slad, David (Ericka) and Michael (Beth). Leaving also behind 13 much-loved grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Further survived by siblings Ann Leuzzi and Dr. Frank Cipriano as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Salvatore ('Sal' or 'Sam') was born in Chicago and began life in the old Sicilian neighborhood around Mohawk and Blackhawk Streets. His parents were the first in the family to move out of the old neighborhood and brought their young family to Lombard when Salvatore was six. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1954 with a degree in architecture. His over 40 years of practice included residential, commercial and historic preservation work. Most notably, he contributed to preservation efforts at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and Unity Temple in Oak Park as well as the Glessner House in Chicago.

Along with his busy career, Sam made time to lovingly care for his parents in their golden years. They could count on Sam for his help with chores, shopping, and as a medical advocate. Sam modeled that same loving care toward Helen. His goal was to outlive Helen so he would be able to care for her as long as she needed him.

Upon retirement in 1995, Sam and Helen moved from Glen Ellyn to Florida where they lived until returning to DuPage County in 2018. They truly loved the Florida life and climate. They made many new friends in Florida and were the recipients of many kindnesses from caring friends and neighbors. Their family enjoyed visiting them in Englewood and later Venice. It was always exciting to welcome Sam and Helen back to Illinois and Wisconsin once or twice a year when they came to spend time with family and friends.

Sam enjoyed different hobbies at various times of his life with golf and bridge among his favorites. During retirement he also became quite a good cook. His architect side instigated many do-it-yourself remodeling projects at home throughout the years. Somehow, the projects were completed just in the nick of time with sawdust and plaster dust cleaned up or paint drying right as company was arriving for a holiday party or birthday party. Sam also enjoyed travel and had many great road trips, cruises, and international jaunts with his beloved Helen. Sam was grateful to the Lord for the blessings of a loving wife, family and friends, his career, and good health.

A private funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Lombard at 10 AM on January 30th. Guests must wear a mask. To view the livestream of the service, visit the YouTube link at the time of the service or afterwards: https://youtu.be/hkxEEfymftA . Due to the pandemic, we will have a celebration of Salvatore's life later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.org or the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research at alzinfo.org . Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.