Reel Repair by Alan Tani

if you have any good stories and photos of sal, please post them here.  he never did start a gallery and i'm looking for old photos.  thanks!!!!!  alan

Here are a few — Fred

Here are a few more —

Sal with a feast

Sal with Maggie

Maggie waiting for Dad

Best, Fred

Not a picture, but a memory of who Sal was.....

https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=27755.0

Deeply saddened by his passing. I hope I do get to meet him in another life.

When Sal toured the Penn plant he was in his glory. It was the first time we had met, however, we had shared years of communications, gifts, and helping one another.  I know Sal for a decade and these photos capture him doing what he loved most.  The only thing missing is a family photo because Sal was the epitome of a family man.  Fishing, food, friends, and his furry friend (Maggie) were other things that brightened his day which were captured nicely here.
Thanks for posting these,
Dom

yeah   DOM,  such a great man and such a great loss.  very smart in reel repairing and building, very generous,  truly a big loss.   praying for sal and his family.   harryk

Quote from: Alto Mare on May 15, 2020, 05:33:24 PM

Hello guys, Sorry this took a while, I was trying to download this video and it gave me a hard time. I hope everything shows ok.
This short video was done 10 hours after the contest was over, so you could see that I did not open the box earlier, not that it matters anyway, I was way off with my guessing 😁

https://youtu.be/SBVArhjWxO8

Here are a few more photos from Facebook

Thank you all for the pictures. Not even sure exactly why, but that video put a big smile on my face. Thanks for digging that one out Allen.

RIH Sal

Just learned of Sal's passing.  Rest easy and see you again someday!

Rest in peace Sal.  Thank you for rallying the troops and visiting the Factory a few years back.  You will be missed.

tony

Rest in Peace my Friend.

Daron,
   That pic of Dominick and Sal is awesome. 8)

I remember that great shot... two "goodfellas"
Thanks D,
Dom

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

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

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"

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"

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

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.

(https://alantani.com/gallery/33/771_15_10_20_2_36_43.jpeg)

Thanks guys.
steve

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.   

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

Salut!

Quote from: Alto Mare on June 21, 2015, 11:41:54 PM
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

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

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. 

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

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. 

Quote from: Bryan Young on October 23, 2020, 05:48:06 PM
See you in Heaven Sal.  Enjoy the fishing!!!

Don't worry, Bryan —

Sal just went ahead of us to get the boat rigged up and ready...

He'll be waiting for us at the dock.

Best,

Fred

I'm so sad that I never got to visit with Sal and his family. We'd talked about it on the phone a couple of times, but, life happens. Learned a lot troubleshooting things with him.

Quote from: foakes on October 24, 2020, 12:02:27 AM

Quote from: Bryan Young on October 23, 2020, 05:48:06 PM
See you in Heaven Sal.  Enjoy the fishing!!!

Sal just went ahead of us to get the boat rigged up and ready... He'll be waiting for us at the dock.

"Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch."

Courtesy Sid.

I have enjoyed perusing the archives that is the AT website, going back MANY years.

I am sorry in advance if I end up posting any duplicates, but anything without the Photobucket pic ruining banner is better than their sickening disdain for the original users.

Hello,

Please forgive me, this is my real first time of being on the website (for longer than one minute as I just break out in tears every time I try) and so I am not quite sure where to post this message so I suppose that I will post it on every page that is listed under the In Memory of Sal Ciarlante. That is the only way that I know that I will reach everyone who commented, left lovely messages of condolence, or wished my family comfort, in any way.

I cannot express how much the love and support, that my family received from AlanTani.com, has meant to us! There really are no words to express my deep, deep appreciation and very sincere gratitude for your continued support! This past month has been just so devastating and painful for me, Alyssa and Anthony and grieving in the time of a global pandemic has just made it even more difficult. It is still very surreal and I wake each day thinking perhaps it was just a bad dream. I must admit that I have not yet found the courage to be in Sal's work area (where he did all of his custom reel work and repairs) for even a whole minute, yet. On the one time I walked back there, I saw that he still had a small paintbrush in some sort of gel and his tools were spread out all over...it must have been what he was working on the day we left for the hospital, so long ago. I walked back there, and I could just see him sitting on that chair, with a beautiful smile on his face, doing what gave him such satisfaction and joy! It was all I could take, but I am working up the courage to go back there again, some day soon. The kids and I do spend time in Sal's mancave, each night, and it's comforting to be surrounded by his things.

I would have liked very much to have the celebration of Sal's life, that I believe he deserved, but I felt very strongly that we needed to respect the pandemic and do everything in our power to keep our family, friends and loved ones safe! As you read in his obituary, we are planning a post-Covid 19, late-springtime memorial service, God willing. I will be sure to post all of the details, at that time! We had an immediate family funeral and laid Sal's remain to rest on a stormy Friday (October 16) and I felt as though the heavens were crying for my Sal. As I told you all before, not only did the Alan Tani family get mentioned in Sal's obituary, but Alyssa (our daughter) mentioned it in his Eulogy, as well.

I am so sorry that this first post of mine was so long but I just wanted to be sure to express my gratitude and to let you all know how important you are to me and the kids!

I wish you, and your families, a blessed Thanksgiving holiday!

All my very best,
Cathy Ciarlante & Family

we'll be there......   :'(

We'll be there. Planned time off from work already. Just need to know when.

Thank you Cathy, you do a great job, of placing words on paper, specially for a first post, under so much difficulty, all the best in the future, cheers Pat & Don.

We're thrilled to have you here with us,  Sal would love it!
Kim, Jack, and I are also looking forward to Sal's life celebration.  He's gonna be listening in on some seriously fishy fish "stories that day" if Alan and Bryan are gonna be there, lol. ;)
We all wish you and the family the very best.
Warm regards,
Dom

Great to hear from you Cathy.
Our thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family....


Col

Over the years, Sal and I (like many of you) had many conversations, traded reels and parts, gifted parts, gifted reels, offered each other advice (Sal likely did not need any advice — but he wanted to make me feel good anyway).  Money never changed hands — he always said I knew better, because my money was no good with him.  We each adhered to the rules of no payments after that — just a friendship and a free sharing of each other's resources.

I got him started on DAM Quick reels — he got me started on custom upgrades for Penns.

One day, these two cranks show up in the mail with a note from Sal — "thought you might be able to use these".  They will go on a couple of special personal reels.

Sue and I were invited to Cathy & Sal's home whenever we were in Philadelphia.  The time we were coming through there (when Tony took us on a private tour of the Penn plant headquarters) — we were not able to take them up on their kind offer — since Alyssa was graduating from college at that time.  Handsome family.

Best,

Fred

I remember how proud Sal was of Alyssa on that day.
Thanks for posting this, Fred!
Hope to get to meet you in may at Sals memorial.
Best
Dom

Thanksgiving day ,,,,, I'm sure Sal would have been up inthe kitchen before daylight,  cutting, peeling, prep stuff and enjoying the smells and anticipation of providing the best for his family.
   Thanks Kathy for your letter and we know how much he loved you, and his family.
Sal was a friend to many people that he had never met.   Truly a good person from the old school.
   We all send our love to you on this day of thanksgiving.   With love,  gst.

I just received this from Cathy.  Made me sad.  I miss him along with the rest of you.  Dominick

RIP, my friend.

Thinking of our pal, too, John.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Sal.
God blessed us for having him in our lives.
Miss ya buddy

I never knew Sal other then by what he wrote on this site and now by what you who did know him wrote here about his kindness, generosity and knowledge of things fishing and human.

I just spent ½ an hour reading through this and other threads and it impressed me that one man had so many friends that knew him so well and praised him for all he has done here and in life.

Maybe I just got a tiny insight in to his life and what he meant for those that knew him personally.

RIP

I'll share one- same visit I met Dom, Dan and Sid, to tour the Penn plant. I was going up for business from NC to NY. When the tour got organized, I asked Sal the address. To this point we had communicated via AT, and I may have bought a couple parts from him, but really he didn't know me from Adam, either the Biblical one OR Motive Fabrication :) . I was going to uber from airport to Penn- Sal says no way, he's picking me up at airport. Soon as I get in the car, he hands me a goody bag- his custom-turned sleeve pin punch, a PC DD jiggy bridge, and some other things.

The Penn tour is chronicled otherwise, thanks again Tony! Afterwards, Dom, who didn't know me either previously, gave me a two hour lift back to Manhattan. Sounds like a long ride for strangers- but NOT for two reel-heads. I think we could've gone another two on Penn history- dude is a gentleman and scholar, as Sal.

Sal gave me plenty of advice over the years, as well as surprise parts, gratis,and otherwise not-to-be had: his custom knobs, 116 delrin undergear, DD 970 plate, among others. He is missed.

Cathy, my best wishes to you and the family on this Christmas Day.

John is one of the easiest guys to be around and talk to.  You feel like you've known him for years in just minutes, and that is what Sal and I recognized even online.  I'm sure we're not alone in that opinion. Sal enjoyed John, as we spoke later about that special trip.  I had mentioned it to Randy, but if Sal's family is okay with us incorporating a special "Sal Memorial" trip to the factory that would be very cool, as that was definitely one of Sal's "Happy places."  When Tony told us they were looking to hire a few guys the day we  took the tour, you should've seen Sal's wheels spinning.
Glad we had that time, John.
All the best,
Dom

Been Looking for this one. Tank Testing in Sal's man Cave!

MONEY SHOT!!!!

 Lol, Sal found some ingenious ways to test reels. Great picture Daron. I also remember him using a little wagon full of bricks and pulling up his driveway

Ted

Great one Daron! A man in his man-cave doing some man stuff. Glad that'n's on the home page.

  That is a nice photo , looks like he has 25 pound bucket bend on that rod !!

Thanks for bringing that one back from the archives, D.
Ted, I remember the wagon with brick as well.  He always pushed his gear for the purpose of testing.
It wasn't cheap for him to do, but he preferred taking the hit before someone lost a fish of a lifetime or got hurt somehow.
A good man indeed,
Dom

I never met Sal but from all the wonderful posts, I would say, a life well lived. My condolences to the family. Life is so short. What a beautiful bird dog. Anyone who loves bird dogs is a friend of mine.
Russ Haynes
Fairhope, Al

I must add, I did add, my firsts posts were thru his forwards here on this forum.   He gladly did my dirty work and talked this old Alaskan boy the how too,s here.
  Sal led me the way to test and question stuff.   For this I will questioned by a few,  and be forever grateful..... 
Sal was a friend I never met,  so why do I have tears every time I type to you?  He has helped me to hold on to the rudder and be a better person.....

I didnt immediately put together this person "Sal" was "Alto Mare". But I looked back through my messages and he was the one whom offered to, and did, make and send me delrin washers for under the main gear in my 16/0 because they were what I needed in his expertise. I was (and am) new on these forums and he didnt know me from Adam, but he he went way out of his way to help a stranger he would never know. He even refused to let me pay him for the part or the postage.


The Wiskers

Wiskers,  You clearly received parts from Sal... that's just how he rolled.
Best,
Dom

I miss him every day.... always looked forward to his responses to questions and problems....
he was more than a "reel" guru, he was a really great person.  ;D. We should all try and be a little more like Sal!!!!
Brett

Quote from: bhale1 on January 11, 2021, 03:37:40 AM
I miss him every day.... always looked forward to his responses to questions and problems....
he was more than a "reel" guru, he was a really great person.  ;D. We should all try and be a little more like Sal!!!!
Brett

The site is not the same without him.  I stopped logging on for quite awhile after Sal passed as it was foremost on my mind when I did log on.  But, that is his legacy.  He contributed in so many ways.  Helped so many people including myself.  Years ago I used a custom SS handle he had a hand in creating and bent it on a fish.  Within a week he had sent me another but this time it was two of them spot welded together with a funny note about trying it on this one.  I still have it and the note on my desk.  Miss him.  Andy

i had just found out on FB a bit a go that he was no longer with us. i could not believe what I was reading :'( I hope everyone is doing well,. R.I.P Sal

I have been busy with work, and haven't had much time for fishing and such. I too just found out today of Sal's passing. I never met him face to face, but we did talk some, and he did built two great 9/0s for me with all the upgrades. I think he charged $25 to built each for me, and I felt his time was more valuable than that, so I threw in some extra for him. Sal was very kind and generous, and a family man for sure.  I recall being on my honeymoon in Jamaica, and emailing him about reels. He jokingly mentioned to me I should be focusing on my new wife instead of reels, and about how long he had been happily married. I can't recall how many years he said it was, but it was impressive. He sure was proud of his family, and helped me as a new husband learn some things. I can assure you Mrs. Ciarlante, that Sal was so very proud of you and his family, and shared that with myself, and likely many others. My prayers are with you and your family.

Jay

Luke 23:43  And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise"

at some point i hope that cathy will be able to have a memorial service.  it's something that i'm sure we would all like to attend. 

Hi guys,
I popped in after quite a while to see what was going on. I've been busy doing other things for almost two years.

I met Sal Ciarlante a few years ago while in Philly for the Penn plant tour. I talked to him a few times in the last year but feel guilty I didn't talk to him more. I tried to call his cell phone a few days ago and left a message, not knowing he was gone. Then I did a google search of his name and saw his obituary, so I came here.

Sal was a wise, generous man, with no hint of an ego that I could see. These are qualities we all desperately need more of these days, and the world is not as bright a place without him. He is missed. But, he lives on in these pages.

When I ducked out about 2 years ago he contacted me a few times trying to entice me to become active again. That's what he wanted. I'm back briefly, but don't intend to live on this site like I once did.

RIP Sal.

Sid

Good to hear from you Sid.....Bill

Sid, welcome back. Give me a call.       Rudy

 Glad to see you still alive Sid  , man when you duck out , you duck out ...

Hi Sid, great to hear from you here again...

Stories of Sal.....Hmm. I often go back to my messages, where I asked the question of Sal on a reel purchase I was keen on,,, and re read what he messaged me.  He was infectious, So vibrant in his responses, on this occasion, after reading his reply, I immediately purchased that reel, in fact, it was the Gold Accuplate, which I recently put up a post about the ice blue one I just purchased, it's stable mate...
Sal Gave me all the information about the said purchase and his personal opinion and even what he thought it was worth. He did so, in a manner which made me feel that he was also riding the purchase wave, such was his passion.
Like many, I never met Sal face to face, even though, prior to Covid rearing it's head and stopping our proposed visit and potential hook up for a coffee with Sal and Dom, my contact with him was all Via this wonderful site.
Never a truer word was said, was that the true mark of a man, is the mark he leaves when he is no longer there...

Gone, but never forgotten...

Col

Sid, Sid.  Come back.  We missed your input.  Dominick

Bill, Rudy, Joe, Col, Dominick, and everyone else -
I'm humbled that I was missed, thank you all, but this thread is about Sal and what he meant to all of us, and I'm now detracting from that - I now wish I'd made a new post first and all this was there.

Please, this is about Sal. If you want to say something to me, please send a PM.

Thanks,

Sid

It's really great the way Cathy keeps in touch with the members. 

Quote from: steelfish on October 15, 2020, 06:17:49 PM
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

I already shared that story of the handle knob he sent me as gift but I found the note/letter he sent inside the envelope, I feel like its something worth to share with the ohana.

She's beauty and that's just the kind of guy Sal was...Top Shelf  to say the least!
Thanks for sharing,
Dom

I haven't been to the Cortez Conversions website in a while, but was pleasantly surprised to see Sal's photo on the home page.....

Not a day goes by I don't think of Sal. It's only fitting.

Tom is a class act the whole way....


I see Philly on a map, I think of Sal. I eat a cheesesteak, I think of eating them after the Penn tour. Perroni....yeah, Sal had them chilling in the snow when I went over there. I wear my yellow Columbia fishing shirt....that's what Sal had on when he picked me up at airport when first we met, and gripped my hand in the 10-ton vise of his grip.

Two solid dudes in my book, Sal and Tom. 
Sal loved Tom's work... we discussed it often.
Thanks for being you,
Dom

Three solids...count yourself in there, brother. Flew in to Newark this week and think about your stories every time I see the Freedom Tower.

Are you still here, bro?
Come over!!

Awesome!!!!!! ;D
Brothers in Arms. Solid!!!!!
Sal will never be forgotten.

Happy Fathers Day Sal.........you are missed.... Bill

I have to agree, Sal will never be forgotten by my family! He was so kind and generous to us.
And, Happy Fathers Day to all you AT dads!!!
Brett and the girls

Looking for a jiggy pic for Jason, and found this!!!! Dan and I at dinner at the Ciarlante's. Cathy took the pic. A fantastic hosting and food, such gracious folks. Of course we got the tour of Sal's cave, shown, as well as his workshop. He gave meold phone 735.JPG  a 29-100 spool out of a drawer full he had, and you can't get it from me for love or money.

Really miss this guy.....

yep.

hey, it's been six years this week since I was out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quote from: alantani on September 15, 2022, 03:57:00 PMReally miss this guy.....

Me too! He was always so welcoming, helpful and sincere!

One of a kind for sure!
Dom

Sal, was on site in the early morning hours. This was the time I got to know him the best sending PM's.

  One morning I believe, we were discussing fishable drag pressure for a given reel don't remember which reel ...

  While this conversation with Sal through PM's was taking place, keep in mind at times, there is a squirrel in my head,running from its tail on fire, while doing copious amounts of acid. Some call it PTSD. Much easier for me to deal with Humphrey, the squirrel in my head     

Anywhoo Sal had stated some of the feedback he was getting from others here on site regarding this reel, drag upgrade & its fishable level of performance. This in no way matched what I was experiencing. Not meaning to, I at times blurt out my thoughts with out any thought given to how they might land on someone.
Not a good thing when Humphrey is riding a rocket ;D 

I stated...

" This cant be. I've been working with this drag stack long enough to know what to expect "

Sal became more than a little upset ... I didn't understand ... Humphrey went super sonic  ;D

I got to where I understood that Sal may have believed I was saying he was dishonest. Nothing could have been further from the truth.  myself

After  giggling a bit at my self we got it sorted... Jeff

This saddens me to know end to hear of Sal's passing....

he was a good man ...

wow.. ive never been at a loss for words about someone ive never met in person but I truly am....

Ill come back and write more later...

Dave