Salvatore Provenza

While attending Lorain High School, Salvatore Provenza demonstrated his love for the Fine Arts. This 1966 graduate not only graduated from Lorain high School in 1966; he also was a 1966 graduate of the Northern Institute of Cosmetology. Sal, as his friends call him, was a member of the marching band and he was a member of the school orchestra where he served as its president for three years. As a member of the yearbook staff, Salvatore designed the 1966 yearbook cover. He was also a member of the debate team. Beginning in high school and continuing through college, Sal was the lead singer for two local rock groups, The Wailers and The Kydds. Based upon his intense level of participation in the Fine Arts, the senior class voted him the Most Talented member of the class of 1966.

After attending The Cooper School of Art, Salvatore enlisted in the Air Force. In 1968 he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Technical, Medical School. A veteran, Sal served six years as a helicopter rescue medic and then served in the Reserves in the Flight Surgeons Office through 1974.

Salvatore graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from Wright State University in 1975. Upon graduation, he accepted an art teacher’s position with the Dayton City School System. After five years in education, Sal accepted a position with the Lanier Corporation. A few years later, he began working for the N.C.R. Corporation. While in the employ of N.C.R., he moved up the corporate ladder. He was Regional Director for Africa, India and the Middle East (Microsoft Corporation), Managing Director, for the Caribbean for N.C.R., and Director for N.C.R./A.T.&T Corporation. Sal closed his career in business, first as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for EOS International and then as Chief Marketing Officer for Lucidea International. During his years in California, Sal earned a master’s degree in business.

While still in Dayton, Sal continued his love of art. He was awarded the Hermes Award for Graphic Art from the Dayton Advertising Club. Another of his acrylic paintings won an award and the painting is still hanging in the center lobby of Dayton University. Salvatore’s years in business have given him many opportunities. He has traveled to over fifty different countries. He was an expatriate in Jamaica, the West Indies, and France. Due to the love he has for his Italian heritage, Sal has dual citizenship in the United States and Italy.

Sal recalls three significant Lorain High School events as the most memorable. He completely enjoyed his years in marching band. Marching at parades and football games were the pinnacle of marching band season. A second memorable event during his high school years was when his band, the Kydds, was selected to be the opening act for the Temptations. Salvatore’s third great memory was when he was chosen to design the cover of the 1966 Scimitar, the L.H.S. yearbook.

Currently retired, Sal occupies much of his time as President of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, the Vice President of the Encinitas Bocce Club, and as a member of the American Legion. Sal is currently residing in Carlsbad California with his wife Diane. The Provenzas have four children: Elena Provenza Gur, Alicia Provenza Smith, Dominic Provenza, and Salvatore Provenza Jr. They have seven grandchildren.

Salvatore Provenza's Induction Speech