Salvatore “Sam” F. Retano, 89, of Old Saybrook, formerly of New Britain and Kensington, died March 21. He was the husband of Yvette S. Retano, who predeceased him. He was the son of Frank and Catherine (Peronace) Retano of New Britain, also deceased.

Upon graduation from Goodwin Technical School, he entered the Army during WWII, serving in the European theater, fighting with the 717th Tank Battalion in the Battle of the Bulge. He was employed as a Tool & Die Maker for Landers, Frary, and Clark, retiring in 1984 from Emhart Corporation as a methods engineer; he then enjoyed 27 winters in Florida with Yvette, his children, and grandchildren. He was a parishioner of St. Paul’s Church in Kensington and St. John’s Church in Old Saybrook, a member of VFW Post 10732, and a talented locksmith, wood carver, and story teller.

He is survived by two sisters, J. Louise Retano of New Britain, and Lee Collomore of St. Augustine, Florida; a son, Paul Retano and wife Karen of Old Saybrook; a daughter Denise (Retano) McBride and her husband Paul of Newington; and a son Thomas Retano and his wife Linda of Berlin. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Yvette, and sister Susan (Retano) Salem of West Springfield, Massachusetts. www.portersfuneral.com. 

A funeral liturgy was held on March 25 at St. Paul’s Church, Kensington. Burial with full military honors followed in Maple Cemetery, Berlin. Porter’s Funeral Home, Kensington, was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Middlesex Hospital Hospice Homecare, Office of Development, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457, or Holy Family Passionist Retreat House, 303 Tunxis Rd., West Hartford, CT 06107, or do a random act of kindness. For an online obituary, visit