FRUCIANO, Sal

Sal Fruciano - Friends and family of Sal Fruciano mourn his passing on May 20, 2003. Sal was a native of Brooklyn, N.Y. and moved to Phoenix with his wife, Ann, and family in 1958. In 1965, the Frucianos relocated to the town of Paradise Valley where they remained for over 30 years. Sal's passion for designing and building free flight model airplanes kept him active and traveling the world to compete and associate with other flyers. He was recently recognized by the Phoenix Model Airplane Club as an early founder and resource for more than 40 years. After retirement, Sal revolutionized the free flight model community by starting a web-based company that specialized in high tech components and models from eastern European world champion flyers. These efforts benefited many Phoenix area flyers that went on to win many world records and international titles. His achievements in model aviation included a world record in 1951, many international and national competitions, as well as a reputation for a friendly smile and advice for young modelers. Trained as a salesman in the 1950's, Sal mentored and trained other salesman during his career as a sales manager and general manager in commercial and industrial photography, graphic arts and printing. In 1978, he started his own venture for retailing printing equipment and supplies. Starline Graphic Products quickly became a leader in the Southwest under Sal's guidance and received many national awards for performance. Sal's forward thinking in process design helped many local manufacturers, printers and newspapers to become more efficient and successful. His flourishing career was based on humble beginnings as a photographer's assistant in his early 20's for many LIFE photographers in New York City. His legacy of salesmanship and determination will live on to the future through those he trained. Survivors include his wife, Ann, children Tom Fruciano, Frank Fruciano, Mike Fruciano and Anita (Fruciano) Erspamer and 6 grandchildren. A pictorial history and information on a memorial fund benefiting young aeromodelers can be found at salfruciano.com Published in the Arizona Republic on 6/1/2003.