S. Reno Saia

January 12, 1928 Sutera, Caltanissetta, Sicily, Italy – July 30, 2024 Sacramento, CA.

Reno was the patriarch of a very large and loving family. Born in a picturesque mountain town in central Sicily, Reno was educated both academically and in the many skilled trades of family members for which he was a fast learner. After enduring a World War with family, he immigrated to the United States in 1948, first to Williamsport, PA then to Detroit, MI, where he took college courses, started his own toy company, and worked for Chrysler Corporation. It was in Detroit where he met his future wife. Together they married, traveled in their 1961 Corvair to Sacramento, CA, and settled to start a family.

Reno was a Renaissance man, a master of many skills, including television production, expansion of his toy design and in house manufacture, contracting construction, and import export through a private business.

Few could cook and bake like Reno. He was known for his cannoli, buccelatti, arancini, pasta con sardi, and many other traditional Sicilian dishes. Reno was always first to volunteer, and never saw a problem too big to conquer. An example of Reno’s can do spirit was his acquisition and installation of the pipe organ at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Sacramento, where he has been a parishioner since 1961. There are too many occasions to count, where Reno positively impacted the life of family, friends, or acquaintances with his ebullience, and joyful use of his limitless talents—fine cabinetry, vaulted beamed ceilings, italian themed planters, arched doorways, wall decorations with beautiful renditions of classic literature come to mind. He was a true Teacher, and Giver. Reno was renovating homes, baking, designing a new bocce game, and playing arpeggios on piano, all with family and friends—the more the better!—until his last day. La Vita è Bella!

Reno was predeceased by his wife, and sister. Reno leaves behind a beloved daughter, son in law, two granddaughters, and a large extended family both in the United States and abroad.

ARRANGEMENTS—

Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024

Viewing: 10:30am

Funeral Mass: 11:00am

Reception: 12:30pm-3:30pm

Hosted in its entirety by

Calvary Catholic Cemetery

7101 Verner Ave

Citrus Heights, CA