Salvador Peter Grado, 87 passed away with a smile on his face Saturday February 27, 2016.  Sal was born November 19, 1928 in Port Arthur, TX where he was a life-long resident.
Sal is preceded in death by his wife Rosalie Andrews Grado, parents Charles and Sarah Grado, sisters and brother; Mary, Josephine, and Joe Grado, Anne Curtis and Kathryn Milner, granddaughter Christina Grado, and Virginia Bergeron Grado, mother of his three sons.
He is survived by his sons, Charles Grado and wife Joanie of Beaumont, Marc Grado and wife Kris of Port Arthur, and Lynn Grado and wife Linda, of Bedford, step-daughters Jeni Pepper and husband Randy, Sandi Riker and husband Mike, sisters Angeline Bowers and her husband Robert A. “Bob” Bowers, and  Marguerite Pierce of Chicago; grandchildren, Christopher Grado and wife Allison, Matthew Gorrell, Erin Meece and husband Ray, Marcy and Karissa Grado, Casey Kimmons, Brooks Grado and wife Kate, Ciara Curtis and husband Dwaine, Rachel Lookadoo and husband Michael Ramirez, Andrew Riker and wife Christina,  Jason Riker Sr. and wife Sonya, and Matthew Pepper; great grandchildren William Grado, Caroline and Cody Grado, Geoffrey Grado, Conner and Addyson Curtis, Jason Jr. and Ashli Riker, Heidi and Aiden Riker, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as many extended family members.
Sal graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School class of 1948. Shortly after graduation he served with the U.S. Army and is a veteran of the Korean War. Upon returning to Port Arthur Sal became the owner of Bluebonnet Cleaners. He retired from Drago’s Supply. He is a member of Faith Baptist Temple of Port Neches. Sal was very active in church, the Port Arthur Pioneer Park which is currently named the Sal & Virginia Grado Field, member of the Italian American Club, Port Arthur Beautification Committee, Citizen Police Academy, Neighborhood Watch Groups, served 6 years on the Board of The Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as countless civic, community organizations and honors. He is a bone cancer survivor and donated his body with dignity to Baylor College of Medicine. His wish is to continue helping others!
A gathering for family and friends will be Monday March 7, 2016 beginning at 5:30pm at The Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, of Port Arthur, TX.  A Memorial Service will begin at 6:30pm. Immediately following the Memorial, family and friends are asked to stay continuing to celebrate the life of Sal Grado and enjoy light snacks.
The family would like to thank to the healthcare providers at Mid-Jefferson Extended Care Hospital and doctors. A special heart felt thank you to the caregivers at April’s House of Angels who have become family!