Lieutenant Commander Salvatore J. Ceraolo, United States Navy (Retired) originally of Nesconset, New York and most recently of Annapolis, Maryland passed away on January 25, 2025 at the age of 62. Reunited in heaven with his beloved parents Joseph and Rosemarie, and sister Frances, Sal is survived by his only son Joseph, his younger sister Camille Voltz, brother-in-law Peter, and niece Natalie; and younger brother, Captain Anthony Ceraolo, USMS / USCG (Ret.), sister-in-law, Commander Lisa Ceraolo, USCGR (Ret.), and niece & Goddaughter Rosalia. Sal was a steadfast Father who devoted his life to his son, his country and his family. Always excelling from an early age, he earned his Eagle Scout Award at the age of 13 and aspired to serve as a pilot in the United States Air Force, earning a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado from his home state Senator, the Honorable Daniel P. Moynihan. Fate would intervene as the appointment to the Air Force Academy never came through, however a nomination from then Vice President Mondale and an appointment to United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland did present itself, which he readily accepted with the hopes of flying as a naval aviator. He entered Annapolis in July 1980 as a member of the Class of 1984 (10th Company), majoring in Aerospace Engineering and commissioning as an Ensign in the United States Navy on May 23rd, 1984. Always aspiring to fly, his eyesight, unfortunately, did not comply. Following Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island, he reported aboard USS SYLVANIA (AFS 2), homeported in Norfolk, Virginia and quickly qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer. He served as Gunnery Officer and Damage Control Assistant aboard SYLVANIA from February 1985 to July 1987, deploying twice to the Mediterranean, and earning the Damage Control Excellence Award two consecutive award cycles.

Following SYLVANIA, he reported aboard USS BRISCOE (DD 977), also homeported in Norfolk, Virigina. He served as First Lieutenant, Combat Information Center Officer & Assistant Operations Officer from July 1987 to May 1990. During his tenure on BRISCOE, he made one Mediterranean and one UNITAS (South America) deployment. He departed BRISCOE in late May 1990 to attend the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He graduated in September 1992, earning a Master of Science Degree in Operations Research with a subspecialty in Operational Logistics. He attended Surface Warfare Officer Department Head School while also moonlighting as an Assistant Coach for the U. S. Coast Guard Academy’s Men’s Club Lacrosse Team from 1992 to 1993. He reported to USS PENSACOLA (LSD 38), homeported in Little Creek, Virginia as Chief Engineer in August 1993. During his tenure aboard PENSACOLA, the ship participated in Operation Able Manner and earned the Engineering Excellence Award. He departed PENSACOLA in February 1995 and reported for duty as Executive Officer, Pre-Commissioning Unit KINGFISHER (MHC 56). USS KINGFISHER was commissioned in New York City in October 1996, with Sal serving as its first Executive Officer. The Ship was subsequently homeported in Ingleside, Texas. He departed KINGFISHER in November 1997 and reported for duty as an instructor in the Mathematics Department at his alma mater, the U. S. Naval Academy.

He was quickly a Midshipman favorite, assisting many of his students through the rigors of Calculus, Multi-Variable Calculus and Differential Equations courses. While at Navy he coached the Men’s Club Lacrosse Team to successful seasons and an appearance in the National Collegiate Men’s Club Lacrosse Championship game, and earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U. S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. His sibling, Anthony, was also fortunate enough to get to serve with his big brother at the Naval Academy during Sal’s tour, albeit in a different building, teaching a different subject – a fortuitous time period that made his parents very happy.

Following his tour at the Naval Academy, Sal reported to the U. S. State Department in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs Directorate performing Defense Trade Control Review and Licensing in the late fall of 2000. Over the next four years he worked thousands of cases and was known for his efficiency to prosecute license determinations in a timely manner. He concluded his service to his country in 2004, retiring after 24 years of active-duty service and subsequently transitioned to his second career as a Compliance Manager for the Northrop-Grumman Corporation in their Export Management Office in the summer of 2004. Within a few years, he transitioned to the Electronic Systems sector (now Missions Systems), leading numerous teams of professionals and managers through his 20+ years with the company. During his time as an International Trade Compliance Senior Manager, he was responsible for leading a team to develop export authorization strategies and implementing policies and procedures for export/import licensing and compliance activities. Sal exercised his authority and responsibility seriously, passionate about export compliance, reflecting on how his decisions impacted national security, particularly the wellbeing of the U.S. warfighter. He never said no to a challenge or new assignment, often offering up his expertise to support the broader organization. He was the epitome of ethics and integrity, became a Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional, asked hard questions professionally and pushed back when warranted. Sal supported and advocated for his employees at every opportunity, always covering their backs so that they could flourish.

From 1996 through January 2025, he was a constant presence in his son Joseph’s life, often driving from Maryland to New York, Pennsylvania or Connecticut on weekends to spend time with him multiple times per month. He adored his cat, Tia. He was always there for his family. Whether it was bringing his extended family together to spend time with each other, providing gentle nudges to his second cousins to realize their full potential, providing guidance and nurturing love to his nieces, supporting his siblings’ spouses whenever and wherever he could, or shaping his siblings’ lives by trailblazing a path for each to follow and providing advice along their way – he had a lasting impact on all he encountered. There was no better nephew, no better cousin, no better Uncle, no better Godfather, no better Classmate, no better brother, no better father…. No better Friend. Rest in Peace Sal, you will be missed every day. In Lieu of Flowers, Sal’s Family requests donations be made to the Veteran Services Organization Paws for Purple Hearts