Salvatore "Sal" F. Bello

Salvatore “Sal” Fernando Bello, Sr. (aka “Hoss,” “Oz,” “The Oz,” and “Coach”) passed away in his home on February 11, 2026. He was 84 years old.

Sal was born and raised in South Philadelphia, PA. His father, Angelo, passed away at a young age. After his father’s passing, Sal and his mother, Rose, moved to Bridgeport, PA. It was there that Sal found what would become his treasured “hometown.”

Sal met the love of his life, Anna “Bay” Valerio, at Bridgeport High School, and they spent 63 wonderful years together before her passing in October 2023. Sal was lost without Bay and missed her intensely for the remainder of his life.

Sal was a superior student and served as class president throughout high school. He was a captain of the baseball, basketball, and football teams at his alma mater, Bridgeport High School. He was an All-League and All-County performer in each sport. While Sal loved most competitive sports, he would fiercely argue that football was the greatest one ever conceived. He was proud to be a member of the Pennsylvania All-State football team in his senior year.

Sal would play one season each of college football and basketball before returning to Bridgeport to marry Bay.

Sal’s love of sports led him to coaching, where he had the chance to work at the youth, CYO, high school, Legion, and adult levels. He was the co-founder of the Bridgeport Softball and Bridgeport Flag Football Leagues. His heart and his loyalty as a coach belonged to the Triple “S” Club, where he brought the organization to local and state prominence. Under his leadership, the football team won 14 league championships, and the softball team won over 80% of its games, including over 50 tournament championships.

This constant devotion led to Sal’s induction into the Bridgeport Hall of Fame, the Montgomery County Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Anyone who knew Sal knew he was a loyal and avid Ohio State Football fan as a result of his admiration for Coach Woody Hayes. He thoroughly enjoyed watching the two most recent National Championships.

Sal worked multiple jobs early in life, including as a donut salesman, a postman, a bartender, and a businessman. Later in life, he owned and operated several restaurants. Most recently, he co-owned and operated Peppers Italian Restaurant and Bar until his retirement.

Sal was loyal and generous to the Borough of Bridgeport, donating many items to the Park & Recreation Department, the Police Department, and to virtually anyone who needed sponsorship. If you were an athlete during Sal’s era—whether casual or competitive—you likely benefited from his generosity.

Sal will be remembered as a community leader, a winning coach, and a loving family man.

Sal is preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Rose J. Bello (née Ruggiano), and his soulmate and wife, Anna “Bay” Rose Bello (née Valerio).

He leaves behind many loving family members: His daughter, Lisa McGinley (née Bello), and son-in-law, Michael McGinley. His son, Salvatore F. Bello Jr., and daughter-in-law, Mariellen Bello (née Deskins). His beloved grandchildren, Michael McGinley (Laura), Kara McGinley (Joseph), Salvatore III Bello (Jillian), and Alexa Bello. His adored great-grandchildren, Shay Anthony McGinley and Emilia Louise Bello. As well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, countless cherished friends, and his dog, Peaches, too.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Sal’s viewing on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Mother of Divine Providence Church, 333 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, from 9 AM to 10:45 AM, with his funeral mass beginning at 11:00 AM. Please note that the eulogy will begin at 10:50 AM. Interment will be at St. Augustine Cemetery, King of Prussia, PA.

Arrangements are by The Bacchi Funeral Home & Crematory, Bridgeport, PA.

Condolences to the family at www.bacchifh.com.