Late Lynbrook veteran inducted into Walls of Honor in Eisenhower Park

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Late former U.S. Marine Corps veteran Salvatore D. Fiorentino was inducted into the Walls of Honor at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow in a special ceremony on June 23. The event paid tribute to his service and dedication to his country.
Fiorentino was a third-generation military veteran. His father, Salvatore Fiorentino Sr., served in World War II, and his grandfather, Dominick Fiorentino, served in World War I. Born and raised in Lawrence, Fiorentino often admired the beautifully landscaped homes in the area and drew, sketched and designed amenities that he felt would compliment a home.
He enjoyed growing up in Lawrence and experienced a carefree childhood surrounded by family members, including aunts, uncles and many cousins. Each Sunday at 1 p.m., the extended family gathered at the home for a communal dinner, at which Fiorentino’s grandmother served homemade meatballs and pasta.
In 1994, Fiorentino moved to his parents’ old family home in Lynbrook, where he remained with his wife, Debra, until his sudden death on July 13, 2016.
As he got older, Fiorentino’s eye for beauty expanded. He went on to own Fury Landscaping & Gardens, on Nassau Boulevard in West Hempstead, for 38 years. Many of his works of art have graced homeowners in the Five Towns, where he once lived, as well as Lynbrook, West Hempstead, Garden City and many other areas on Long Island.

Fiorentino specialized in koi ponds and worked with his father and his brother at the business. He emulated his father and admired his hard work. His mother, Palma, was also dedicated, working part-time decorating Christmas wreaths with elaborate bows.
Fiorentino was a vested member in the West Hempstead business community, and he loved to acknowledge the holidays. Often, he would have one of his cousins dress as Santa Claus at Christmas time or the Easter Bunny in the spring. He also gave back to his community, donating sandwiches to veterans’ centers. His favorite lunch was chicken cutlet, mixed greens, red onions and tomatoes with roasted garlic vinaigrette. To pay homage to him, La Bottega affectionately named the dish “Sal’s Salad” on its menu.
Almost two years after his passing, Fiorentino is greatly missed by his many family members, friends, customers, and colleagues.

—Dedicated by Fiorentino’s sister, Rose Genovese.