Sofio Salemi, 88, of Bristol, entered into rest on Thursday, May 21, 2026.  He was born in Sortino, Sicily on June 20, 1937.  Sofio was a devoted husband to Sarina Valenti Salemi and a beloved father to his son Frank and daughter Rina.  His greatest passion in life was being a grandfather to his five grandchildren.

Sofio lived in Canada for several years until he emigrated to the United States in 1967 where he built a life for his beloved family.  He was a machinist by trade and he owned and operated S&F Tool in New Britain.  Sofio enjoyed being outdoors.  He was an avid gardener who could often be found tending to his many fruit trees, grape vines and gardens.  He enjoyed making wine and pickling olives as well as hunting and fishing. 

Sofio is survived by his wife, Sarina Valenti Salemi; his son, Frank, his wife, Julie, and their children - Alex, Avery and Ethan; his daughter Rina Johnson, her husband, Derek, and their daughters - Sofia and Aloma; his sister, Enzina Briganti in Montreal, Canada;  his two brothers, Angelo Salemi in Sortino, Sicily and Mario Salemi in Sant Angelo dei Lombardi in Avellino, Italy.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church 1755 Stanley St. New Britain. Entombment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery Garden Mausoleum.