Salvatore “Sam” Acerra, 86, a lifelong resident of Long Branch, died Friday, September 25, 2014 at Jersey Shore Center in Eatontown.
Sam graduated from Long Branch High School in 1946. While in high school, he was awarded membership into the National Athletic Scholarship Society for his academic and athletic excellence. He gained first team All-Shore honors and second team All-State selection among basketball players in the State Group III High School, as well as becoming one of three shore players to receive an Honorable Mention selection among all basketball players in New Jersey. Sam was a 300+ hitter in baseball and was considered an excellent defensive center fielder, playing 3 years under the coaching of the late Lawrence Hatton and Ted Bresett. He accepted a basketball scholarship to Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina where he competed successfully in basketball in each of the four years he played. In addition to his athletic endeavors, Sam enjoyed playing golf. He played baseball for the Long Branch entry in the Jersey Shore Semi-Pro Baseball League and the Long Branch City League.
He served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. Upon discharge from service, he spent two years managing the Bell Finance Company in Freehold.
Sam retired in 1989 from the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the former New Jersey Highway Authority (GSP) after 34 years of service. He also served as operator for the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel.
For a number of years, Sam was the Tournament Coordinator for the Arts Center’s Annual Celebrity, Professional and Amateur Golf Tournament. He found this extra duty to be very satisfying as the 300 players helped raise funds to provide free shows for seniors, children and the disadvantaged. After retiring, he worked in Admissions at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport for 25 years.
Sam was a member, served on the executive board and a former director of the Old Guard of Long Branch. He is a former member of the Lions Club, American Records Executives and Administrators Association and the American Association of Retired Persons. He was a communicant of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Long Branch.
He was predeceased his wife, Blanche Coyle Acerra, his parents, Salvatore and Mary Marks Acerra and 2 brothers, Louis and Eugene Acerra and his sister, Dolly Wilder.
Surviving are his 5 children, Steven Acerra & Diane Acerra both of Long Branch, Linda & her husband Glenn White of Laurel, MD, Mary & her husband Salvatore Zagara of Leland, NC & James Acerra of San Francisco, CA; his grandchildren, Aaron & his wife Rachel White, Craig White & Ryan & his wife Valerie White & 2 great-grandchildren, Noah & Eve White.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 2-4 & 7-9 pm Monday at the Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst, Ocean Township. Funeral Mass will be offered at 9:30 am Tuesday at St. Michael’s Church in West End, Long Branch. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in West Long Branch. Please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com for condolences.