stories and pictures of alto mare

[Dominick]

Thanks Daron.  I went looking for that picture and could not find it.  It's a good one.  Dominick

[mark d]

one time sal sent me a 5 washer drag stack for a penn 710. he did this out of the kindness of his heart. another time i was traveling to my sister's house and an ebay penn mag 10 was waiting for me there. i was afraid it might need work and i did not have a penn wrench. what to do ? i contacted sal even though i don't know him and asked if he could send me a wrench. he did and it turned out i needed it. i did not know sal like you guys but you could just tell he was a kind soul.

godspeed sal

[Bill B]

This is a PM exchange I had with Sal back in April......Edited for clarity......

Bill-"Just checking up on you piasano. Hope all is going well and the pup is learning from the master.....Bill"


Sal- "Hello Bill, thank you so much for checking in, I appreciate it.
       This past Friday I went for CT scan and MRI.
       This morning I was a nervous wreck waiting for my doctor to call with the results.
       Overall everything looked good, the tumor keeps getting smaller in size but he's not comfortable with an operation at this time,

       We are scheduled to go and see a very well known liver specialist and see what he has to say.
       Nothing has spread and all looks good so far.

       All my best my friend and thanks again"

[Bill B]

And another we had in February....

Bill- "Hope you are feeling better and putting a hurt on cancer.  Have the treatments come to an end?  Bill"


Sal- "Hello Bill, thank you so much!
        I was just looking at my graphics on their computer and the line that measured tumors activities dropped from 55 to 0.
        I'm not sure what all this means, I've had 8 Chemotherapy to date and scheduled for 3 more.
        They gave me a double doze because they felt I could handle it.
        The doctor mentioned I was very strong and a good candidate, must have been the homemade wine🙂.
        After the 3 treatment they will decide on where next.
        I know they are trying to make the 4 tiny spots on the liver even smaller, so they could easily get in there and take care of them.
        Thank you so much Bill, your checking in is very much appreciated.
         Sal"

[steelfish]

well, this is not a picture of him but its something that will make me remember my compadre Sal.

the nice and Shiny (for real) Altomare handle knob, I have two of his knobs, one was bought and thats pure bussiness transaction (I really liked it too), but this one for a 113h reel (his favorite reel) was a susprise, I found it inside the shipping box with a note (fool of me didnt saved the note), he sent me a complete handle assembly with that unique knob alreay installed, I inmediatly took out the power handle knob I had on my T4n1 113hxn reel and installed that new handle, now thats a handle that always starts a conversation theme.
where did get it?
how made it?
how I can get one?
how much did you paid for it?
etc, etc, etc.

thanks buddy, you were one of a kind, buen viaje !!


PS: that reel is the perfect size for my kids favorite rod I just made few months ago, the Mario Bros themed rod paired with the 113hxn t4ni kit

[Black Pearl]

Here is a picture sent to me during our texting.

We usually had a phone call at least twice a week. We talked so many things.

He became like my brother from the other mother.

We will meet again, until then RIP, brother. I miss you.

[swill88]

Thanks guys.
steve

[gstours]

Sal was a very kind man.  He has helped me to be a better person in many ways.   
  Let's pour a drink 🥃 in his honor tonight,   And at least once a week hereafter.   Rest In Peace Sal.
     You're problems are over.   We will try to pick up the slack.   

[Decker]

Ted asked me to post this info... Sal was a stone mason and general contractor.   I believe these are pictures of some of his work, and would like to find more...  A couple of years back, Sal posted some stonework pics on this site.  Will try to find them.

https://www.ehardhat.com/directory/concrete-and-masonry/PA/havertown/sal-ciarlante-general-contractor-llc/1343932

[Decker]

Salut!

[Decker]

very nice Daron, enjoy those.



Harry, you did very good, tools and food,you're a lucky man!

I just got done my homemade lasagna stuffed with cheese, meatballs and hard boiled eggs.
My daughter also made me Flan, one of my favorite desserts. The meal was accompanied with some sangria with fresh peaches...I'm stuffed!
She finds this pic of me from 25-30 years ago...where did the time go?
This was at Wildwood NJ.
I hope you all had a great fathers day.

Sal

[JoseCuervo]

I found this one in the member fishing reports, "My Striper".

[MikeSea808]

ive talked with sal many times over the years, mostly pertaining to reel repair, he was always the most gracious, nice and helpful person. always giving good advise, and helping me with tips, Will be missed very much. Love and best wishes to his family. 

[Shark Hunter]

That is a Great Shot Chui!
I will post some more when I get back from Vacation.

[Bryan Young]

Thank you for sharing additional photos of Sal and gathering at his house.

Right before he went to the hospital, we were chatting about Penn 9500SS reels.  He had one for sale that I really wanted and since I didn't know if or how long I would have a job, I told him I would need to pass, even though I wanted to buy it.  I'm glad that he was able to sell it. 

One week later, I get a box from Sal with a note saying that this was a gift.  it's not perfect but is 110% fishable.  I called him to tell him he was crazy for sending me a reel.  During the call, he again asked me how much did he owe me for the parts that I sent to him...I told him, what parts... .  We both agreed that we never charge family for stuff we have and can share.  He is like an older brother to me, and my heart still aches knowing that this was the last conversation that we will ever have with him her on Earth.  See you in Heaven Sal.  Enjoy the fishing!!!

The Penn 9500SS was likely the last gift he sent out before entering the hospital.  I will see about upgrading the drag and plan to catch a YT, YFT and/or BFT in his honor next year on the SOA trip.

Miss you buddy.