Sal Conforto's Biography

Salvatore "Sal" J. Conforto was born in Sicily, Italy during the Second World War. His family migrated to the United States in 1956.

Sal attended Rice High School in Harlem. In 1964, though not yet a citizen, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After attending basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he attended the Military Police Academy in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 502 Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, and in June 1965, he was deployed with the 7th Infantry Division to South Korea. During his tour, he received a Distinguished Service Medal from the South Korean Minister of Defense. He also received the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Medal. In September 1966, he was honorably discharged.

Sal worked for 20 years as a New York City corrections officer. Upon retirement, he attended law school under the G.I. Bill, graduating with a Juris Doctor. He performs pro bono work and is or was a member of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Community Advisory Council, the Morris Park Kiwanis Club, and the Morris Park Community Association. He was appointed to Community Board 11 by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. in 2009, and he runs an online publication, The Bronx Chronicle, which he founded in 2013. In 2014, Sal was appointed Chairman of the Crime Victims Support Services Board.

Sal has been married to his loving wife Sun Hee for over 50 years. They are the proud parents of Rosalia Conforto Gianola, Maryanna Conforto, Fred Conforto, Cristina Conforto Byrnes, and five beautiful grandchildren.