A good liturgical musician is skilled in choral conducting and keyboard performance, with a comprehensive knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgy and a smattering of sacramental theology. A Roman Catholic liturgical musician loves the sound of the congregation he serves raising their voices in song-prayer more than the sound of his own voice.

Sal Rendina loved the sound of a singing assembly more than anything else on earth. We know because we spoke of it often. His greatest skill was facilitating the conversation between God and His Church at the table of the Sunday assembly.

Sal spent years serving his beloved Church in parishes in the Archdiocese of New York before relocating permanently to the Miami Archdiocese twenty years ago. He formed choirs at several Miami parishes and lately served at St. John Vianney Minor Seminary. He assisted often with music at St. Mary’s Cathedral and served as cantor for many diocesan celebrations. Sal was a beloved member of the Sine Nomine Choral – a music director’s chorus formed for the Archdiocese – who’s members will gather to sing the Mass of Resurrection for Sal at noon on April 4 at St. Matthew in Hallandale.

Sal Rendina created family wherever he went: his church choirs, his musical colleagues, and the schools where he taught. He gathered people around the dinner table and broke bread. It was one of his greatest gifts.

When Sal came to Florida 20 years ago, he left behind his New York students and colleagues. Very quickly he gathered three Florida musicians he respected and created Dell ‘Oro Vici – a quartet that practiced and began to sing a cappella engagements around South Florida. But the singing was secondary to the meals and travels and great discussions that these four friends shared.

Dell’Oro Voci, along with all musicians of New York and Miami who worked with him, mourns the loss of Salvatore Rendina, but celebrates his reunion with his beloved mother, father, and too many friends and family to mention who were there to greet him when he entered his heavenly home.

Requiescat in pace, dearest Sal. Until we sing together again.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, April 5th, starting at 11:00 AM, followed by Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Interment will be at a later date at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in Bronx, New York.

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, Hollywood Boulevard Chapel.