Salvatore V. “Sal” Bottieri
December 14, 1960 – July 13, 2020
Sal was born to Vincent and Emma (DiMaiolo) Bottieri, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He graduated from El Segundo High School in California and then earned an Associate’s Degree at El Camino College, later going on to pursue two Bachelor Degrees at U.N.O. As a young man he held many jobs, but one stands out. He was most proud of the work he did for TRW where he helped create components for NASA and the space program. Sal proudly served in the United States Army as an Army Ranger. While stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas, he met Barb who was attending Kansas State University. They quickly became inseparable, enjoying cooking, playing gin rummy, and riding his motorcycle. Actually, Sal patiently taught Barb to ride, even though there were a few moments where he feared the destruction of his new motorcycle was a possibility. In later years, they continued to enjoy riding, this time each with their own bike. Shortly after they met, Sal and Barb were married and blessed with their daughter, Christina. As a young family, they enjoyed many days of camping and fishing at the lake. In recent years, Sal worked side by side with Barb at the gym where he always had a smile or an encouraging word for the kids and was known as “Mr. Sal” or “Sal buddy”.
Sal is survived by his wife, Barb; daughter and son-in-law, Chris and Greg Fountain; brothers, Bob and James Bottieri; niece, Taylor Bottieri; beloved furry companions, and other loving family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Emma (DiMaiolo) Bottieri; aunts, uncles and cousins.
We have many cherished family memories and will always remember the smiles and laughter. Sal is loved by so many and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, as a celebration of Sal’s life, memorials are suggested to: Live On Nebraska, https://liveonnebraska.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/, Nebraska Humane Society, or charity of your choice.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Monday, July 20th, 1 pm, Omaha National Cemetery with military honors by Benson VFW Post 2503. Please see the cemetery website for guidelines.
Due to Covid, capacity is extremely limited at the cemetery, to include all family and friends we have chosen to stream the service.
To view a live broadcast of the Graveside Service, go to www.heafeyheafey.com website and click the View Live Cast button on the homepage.
29 Comments
Sal was a good man, devoted husband and father and my lifelong friend. His passing leaves a hole in my heart and the collective heart of Flameouts everywhere. His creativity and attention to detail and precision made him a vibrant musician and collaborator. Lest we forget, Sal was also funny, charming, and always a loving son and brother, and friend. His name will always be as a blessing. Rest in Heaven, Booboo! <3
Our sincere condolences to Barb, Christina, and the entire Bottieri/ Houlton family. I will treasure my many conversations with Sal at the gym. He could really talk to anyone about anything. I sometimes spent the entire four-hour practice in the office talking to Sal about politics, medicine, music, and life in general. Sal was also devoted to the gymnasts and their families. He took such great care in the cleanliness of the gym and looked after everyone’s safety. He had a special relationship with the younger siblings and knew all of their favorite cartoons to play. I can’t think of anyone at the gym who didn’t love him. He will be missed. Rest in pease, my friend.
This is a devastating loss to all who had the blessing of Sal in their lives. Please accept my sincere condolences for you loss. He will be missed by us all, and his name will remain as a blessing to all. RIP Booboo. You were loved more, and by more than you will ever know <3
Sal was the smiling face that greeted you when you entered the gym. He could talk about anything. I enjoyed our afternoon conversations and his words or wisdom when I needed to hear them. He loved the gymnasts at the gym. I remember him telling me that he didn’t like to see them with red faces because of the heat in Summer, that’s why the gym now has air conditioning. I think every family at the gym had a special friendship with him. Our heart is with the Bottieri family.
I’ve known Sal for probably 45 years. We hung out a lot in our teens. He was a great guy and always made me laugh. My sincere condolences to his family and other friends.
How blessed I was to have known Sal from our youth in our hometown of El Segundo. His enthusiasm for life, ever-present smile, and ready willingness to help others always deeply impressed me. I miss and love you, dearest Sal. Requiescas in pace, carissimo amico.
My condolences go to Sal, Such a great friend he was back in the 1980s we were always hanging out. May God rest his soul in peace🙏
Very sorry to hear of losing Sal. We played music together many years ago and I’ll always remember his happy go lucky disposition. Rest In Peace, my friend.
My sincere condolences to Salvatore’s family for your loss. My brothers, Jon and Paul, who knew him and his family in El Segundo, often spoke of Sal over the decades and always in glowing terms. May God rest his soul.
Sincerely,
Anne Wilder
Sal was a great Neighbor. We had many conversations from hobbies to work and our personal life. His pass away saddened my heart and left an empty space inside as we often chit chat and say hi when we both mowed our lawn. Sal will always be remembered. We missed you bud.
Sal and Barb I have no words. My feelings are mixed with sadness and loss . . . Buf my heart is filled with gratitude for knowing you as the best neighbor anyone could ever have. Sal your presence will be missed along with your smiling face, humor and kindness. You would help anyone and not expect anything back. GOD knows you by name
Gonna miss Sal’s cheerful attitude — he was a great drummer too! When he played the drums, you knew about it — he hit those things hard. I remember him as full of life with a great sense of humor and always a kind word. I guess we just don’t know how it’s all going to turn out.
We have nothing but fond memories of Sal. He was just a great guy. We will miss him. Our hearts ache for Barb, family and friends.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Sal’s family. We have known Sal’s wife, Barb, daughter, Chris, and her family for many many years and our hearts break for all of you at this very difficult time.. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
Sal you will be missed, all the days we would stop and talk about motorcycles, cars, and other various things all while under the guise of yardwork. I will miss the stories of your life, it sure sounds like you lived a full one and were loved by all and the neighborhood now seems a little bit different without you here.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Sal’s immediate family (Omaha). But I’ve known his brothers in ‘Gundo since looong ago. And, of course, his dear mother, Mrs. Bottieri. The veritable hurricane of good cheer and lust for life that was Sal Bottieri floored me and others. His enthusiasm and ebullience were infectious. Sal smiled all the time but his biggest smiles always appeared from behind his kit. And, as George, pointed out, when Sal was on the kit, Sal was ON the kit. The boy smacked his snare outta the solar system.
The decades-long privilege of knowing Sal, and the many many times we played music together, are about as good as it gets. Because of Sal. Just one of the best gentleman I have ever known. Deep condolences to family, friends and all who loved and admired him. Peace my dear friend….JBW
I feel really lucky to have worked with Sal for so many years at the gym. I remember when I was a freshman in college and my car broke down for what I feel like was 3 weeks. Sal came and picked me up for work every day. I loved talk to Sal at the gym and knew he always wanted to do right by us staff and by the kiddos in the gym. Chris and Barb, you’ve been in my life for as long as I can remember. I’m always here for you guys and I love you both. <3
Rest easy Sal.
Sal will be missed. Barb., Christina and the whole family our prayers and thoughts are with you. Sal could talk about anything and strike up a conversation with anyone. This is what made him so special. It allowed everyone to get to know him. His love for music , fishing., the service, his previous jobs and trips going back to Cali and all those crazy stories. He would talk to me for hours while doing concessions. I always felt guilty feeding him like 5 hotdogs during a meet. But he assured me he only did this once a year at our meet. Always wanting to have fun. I know he enjoyed time with the dads after a meet. Hanging out having a few drinks and relaxing. And they enjoyed It too. My son also had a connection. Sal would walk out to his truck and talk trucks with him. He touched many lives We thank him for all his years of hard work at the gym. Now is Sal’s time to rest
Love and prayers and may memories give u strength. ❤️🙏
My time with Sal was with music. Besides being very gifted, Sal was a generous player. He knew how to accommodate other musicians’ styles and ways of playing. It was a joy to make music with Sal. And it was a privilege to know him. As with music he was a generous person in every way. He took the time to connect with people and I appreciate him for that. Love and solace to his family and to everyone who knew him.
My thoughts and prayers. Sincere condolences.
We have such good memories of visiting with Sal. The gym was a huge part of our lives for so long. Our hearts ache for Barb, Christina and all of the Holton family. You are in our prayers
Sal was truly one of a kind and will surely be missed by anyone who spent time in the Sal Zone (the guy could talk). I was one of a number of gym parents who spent many many hours in deep discussions with Sal, He was so proud of Christina and her accomplishments and would regularly tell me how lucky he was to snag a dancer for a wife! Hearts are broken. Hugs and prayers being sent to Barb, Christina, and the rest of the family. Love you guys
Barb, Christina and the entire Bottieri and Houlton families; Our deepest sympathies for a life lost too soon. May he rest in Peace and let perpetual light shine upon him. So sorry for your loss.
The Steinauer family
I was so very sorry to hear of Sal’s passing. Barb, Christina, and family, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sal was such a blessing to me at the gym, and I so enjoyed talking with him. He was amazing at making everyone feel welcome and cared for while still running a tight ship and keeping everyone in line! He will truly be missed. Sending love and prayers.
Sal was very caring person he will be missed, my condolences to all of sals family.
Sal, you were the heartbeat of the band, you had an infectious smile, always a kind word and were a blessing to everyone who knew you. We learned a lot from each other and the world around us when we were young, it was a different time and you made it a magical place I will miss you my friend. I can still hear your kick drum snare shuffle as I walk up the stairs to the studio.
Thank you for being my friend
Our hearts are broken at the news of Sal’s passing. We only have great memories of him and will cherish them always. Lean on each other and your loved ones and may your most favorite memories give you strength and comfort.
Barb and Christina our hearts go out to you now and always.
This is so shocking to us. I’m sorry we’re so late sending this condolence. To Sal’s family in Nebraska, whom I’ve not had the opportunity to meet – please accept our condolences with deepest sorrow. Sal and I played music together here in Los Angeles in the early 80’s and Cathy and I would delight in Sal’s jovial and carefree _ yet poignant perspectives on life – even at 18 years old. We had lost touch for decades until these past few years I would see him when he came to visit his Mom – god bless her. We will miss him. Again – please accept our deepest sympathies. Rob & Cathy Hills
I just found out through a military reunion contact that Sal passed. Salvatore was unique among my comrades, and will be sorely missed. Sal, I wish we could have reunited. Peace, brother.
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