Salvatore S. Pietrafitta

Salvatore S. Pietrafitta, 94, of Springfield Delaware County, passed away at his residence surrounded by his children John, Santa and Mike on Friday, January 30, 2026. Born March 10, 1931 in Philadelphia, he was the last remaining child of the late John and Santa (Biondo) Pietrafitta. Salvatore was born and raised in South Philadelphia and was the youngest of six children. After attending South Philadelphia High School, he attended LaSalle College and Temple University where he earned his Bachelor and Masters degrees, respectively.  He was a veteran of the Korean War where he was stationed in Austria.  After his military service, he was employed by the Philadelphia School District as a Language Arts Teacher for middle school students where he taught at the General George A. McCall School in Society Hill for all of his 40 plus years as an educator.  Salvatore was proud of his Italian heritage and had a passion for singing and listening to Opera, a passion which he sometimes shared with his students. In 1959 he married Maria DeFino and began to raise their family in Yeadon, PA. While in Yeadon, he and his family were active members of the Yeadon Swim Club, where he enjoyed playing tennis and participating in various tournaments with Maria and his two younger children. In the mid-1980s, the family relocated to Springfield, Delaware County, where he would reside until his passing. During his retirement he and Maria also loved to travel to Lancaster County or the Atlantic City casinos for long weekends where they enjoyed the entertainment and tempting the slot machines.

 Foremost to Salvatore was the well-being of his family. Together with Maria, holidays and family activities were enjoyed and cherished. Naturally, this was a practice he continued over the last three decades with his energetic grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart. When all members of the family convened, Salvatore was at his happiest. Salvatore is predeceased by his wife Maria of 59 years and is survived by his children John of Springfield, Santa (Chuck) Kraft of Glen Mills, Mike (Joanna) Pietrafitta of West Chester and his grandchildren C.J. (Ria), Christian and Jackie Kraft and Jordan and Michael Pietrafitta, Jr. He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Viewing, 9:30 - 11:15 AM on Monday, February 9, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA 19064 followed by his Celebration of Life Mass at 11:30 AM.  Interment will immediately follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.