Obituary of Salvatore "Sonny" Lovecchio

Salvatore (Sonny) Lovecchio, passed away on January 27, 2009, after a short illness. Sonny was born and raised in Vineland. After discharge from the United States Navy, he and his Uncle Benny went into the pin ball and music machine business. At age 23, he got his first job selling cars at East End Motor Co. Several years later, he joined Cresci Motors and was general manager when the dealership became Landis Motors. In 1957, he founded Sonny's Auto Mart. He was a studebaker dealer in Vineland from 1963 ti 1966. Sonny was recognized by the Vineland Fire Deopartment for his humanitarian effort in saving the lives of three children and received an honorary membership in the N.J. State Firemans's Assoc. Sonny was Director of the Vineland Motor Vehicle Agency from 1982 to 1991. He instituted a receptionist position for all motor vehicle agencies in the state to assist customers with their paperwork as they enter the building. Sonny was Vineland City Treasurer and custodian of school funds for 10 years, served on the Landis Sewerage Authority for four years and was Vice President of the New Jersey Automobile New Car Dealers Association. Sonny was co-founder of Vineland's Eagle Semi-Pro Athletic Club. He was a member of the Cumberland County Steering Committee and a member of the Cumberland County Board of Elections. Sonny was a member of many civic organizations including Lions Club, Vineland Jaycees, Diamond Social Club, Recreation Club, North Italy Club, Moose Lodge, Landisville Social Club, Vineland Republican Club, Knights of Columbus Third Degree, Siciliam American Club, New Jersey Tax & Treasurer's Association, and New Jersey Association of Elected Officials. Sonny always gave freely of his time and loved "his" City of Vineland. He was responsible for organizing and promoting the big band concerts at Giampetro Park. Sonny was predeceased by his father and mother, Anthony and Nettie (Garofalo) Lovecchio, and his beloved wife of 45 years, Elsie (Cosimi); he was the father of two sons, Rick and wife Rose of Daytona Beach, Florida, Paul and wife Sandy, five grandchildren, Karen and husband DelClark, Jennifer, Michael, Joseph and David and wife Becky Gentry, three great-grandchildren, Richard Annabelle & Kayla, one sister, Rebecca (Becky) Laspada and one brother, Fred Johnson.