Obituary Listings

VALLINA, SALVATORE A.


Dr. Salvatore A. Vallina, age 84 of Orland Park, IL passed away March 19, 2013. Dearly beloved husband of Therese, nee Yaverski, throughout 55 years of marriage, loving father of Rico and the late Cheryl Kowal, cherished grandfather of Lia and Jena, dearest son of Jose and Frances Vallina.

Salvatore A. Vallina, Ed.D, born November 8, 1928 to a Spanish father (Jose Vallina) and an Italian mother (Frances Vallina), living in the Chinatown community of Chicago. His educational development began at Santa Maria Incoronata elementary school. Following graduation from De La Salle High School and brief periods at DePaul University and St. Ambrose College, he obtained an Associate’s Degree from Wilson Community College and a Bachelors Degree in Education at Chicago Teachers College. Upon his discharge from the U.S. Army, he received a Master’s Degree in Education from Loyola University. A doctorate in Education from Loyola University was completed in 1978. In 1982 Dr. Vallina participated in a Chicago Board of Education Ford Fellowship at the University of Chicago.

Dr. Vallina began his professional career as an elementary teacher at James Ward Elementary School. He continued as a special education teacher at Harrison High School. In 1965 he was appointed Assistant Principal at George Gershwin School. Following passing the Chicago Public School Principals’ exam in 1967, he was appointed Principal of Ray Community School in the Hyde Park community. He was appointed co-director of the Magnet School Program in 1978. Other positions included Director of Administrative Service, Acting Principal of Clemente High School, Kenwood Academy and Sutherland Elementary. He retired as Principal of Washington High School on November 30, 1990.

On January 1, 1991, he was appointed Assistant Professor of Educational Administration at National-Lewis University. He completed his professional career as an educational consultant with Campanile School Services, Inc. in 2005.

Dr. Vallina was married to Therese Vallina. He had two children, the late Cheryl Kowal and Rico Vallina. He is also survived by two granddaughters (Lia Ann and Jena Mary). He was an active member of the Gregorian Education Association since the organization was formed in 1967. He served as president of the organization of Italian American Educators in 1975-76. The organization’s goal was to encourage Italian American high school graduates to enter the field of education through a scholarship program.


Visitation Thursday 2-9 p.m.

Funeral Friday 9:15 a.m. from the Robert J Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W 151st Street, Orland Park, to Our Lady of the Woods Church, Mass 10:00 a.m.

Interment St. Mary Cemetery


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

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