Salvatore Poma

Salvatore Poma of San Pedro, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2014, at the age of 90. He was loved by all who knew him and known to most as "Nonno". Although he spoke mostly Italian, he had no problem communicating with anyone in any language. He had a way of making everyone he met feel important. He absolutely treasured his family and friends, and they him! He was a deeply religious man, with a very special prayer table in his home full of meaningful religious items, loved ones' precious memorabilia, and candles. He was a member of Mary Star of the Sea Church since arriving in San Pedro in 1971. Salvatore was an avid gardener and happiest when cooking for his family and friends. Salvatore was born in Sicily on June 19, 1923 and spent his youth there. As a young man he served in the Italian military for two years. Then relocated to France in search of opportunities. When visiting his hometown of Custanaci, Sicily, he met and married his beloved wife, Francesca, who has awaited him in heaven for 19 years. Their four children, Angela, Mario, Antonina and Jim, meant everything to them. In 1967, he moved his family back to Sicily. Then in 197l, the family had an amazing opportunity and joined Salvatore's sister, Maria Miceli, and her family in the United States. Salvatore's family worked hard and built wonderful lives in the San Pedro area, where they all live and enjoy life today. Salvatore spent a 20 year career working for Pan Pacific Cannery on Terminal Island. Salvatore always put his family first and worked hard to give them a loving and happy life filled with opportunity. A loving and generous man, he always welcomed friends and strangers alike to his home and table. If you came to his home, he was going to make sure you were fed and enjoyed yourself. Salvatore grew his own vegetables and was famous for his fresh baked bread, amazing pasta sauce, and homemade wine. We will never forget him wanting to make his homemade pasta sauce for his 90th Birthday Party dinner last year. It didn't seem to change his mind when we tried to explain that there were 120 guests, it was at a banquet hall, and we had hired a caterer. We did manage to scale him down to making his sauce for the family and friends staying with him for the celebration. But that was Nonno, always wanting to take care of all those he loved. Our hearts will miss Nonno terribly, but we will find comfort knowing that he is with our Lord and that he and his beloved Francesca are at peace together.

NONNO, SI SONO PER SEMPRE NEI NOSTRI CUORI! NOI TI AMIAMO!

Salvatore was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Francesca and his daughter-in-law, Christina. He is survived by 4 children: Angela (Ed) Andrews, Mario (Sherri) Poma, Antonina (Kevin) Herrera and Jim (Christina) Poma. In addition six grandchildren and a great grandchild: Erick Gonzales and son Alex; Kyle, Kristine and Gregory Poma; Brittany and Kory Herrera.

Visitation will be at Green Hills Memorial Park Chapel on Monday, April 21st from 5 to 9 PM, with a Rosary Service at 7 PM. The Funeral Service will be held at Mary Star of the Sea Church on April 22nd at 10:30 AM.

Donations may be made to Mary Star of the Sea High School in lieu of flowers.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275