Trade Regrets: Salvatore J. Intagliata

Salvatore J. Intagliata, owner of Cassell’s Music in San Fernando, Ca., passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on October 27, with his family at his side.

Sal, along with his son, Ed, purchased Cassell’s Music in January 1978 from a retiring Albert Cassell, and successfully guided it through the many ups and downs of the retail music industry including recessions, economic downturns, a devasting earthquake in 1994, and more recently the COVID-19 pandemic.

Born and raised in Hartford CT, Sal moved his wife and five sons to Southern California in 1960 to enter the booming aerospace industry, retiring in 1996 from TRW. A lifelong vocalist, Sal enjoyed performing with many community and church choirs, where his smooth tenor voice was welcomed by  conductors. He even had an opportunity to guest conduct the Santa Clarita Master Chorale where his son, Ed, continues to sing. 

As a corporate executive, Sal’s business expertise, along with Ed’s vast retail experience, has enabled Cassell’s Music to thrive in a trade area that has seen countless other music retailers fold in the face of stiff competition and the ever changing landscape of music retailing.

Besides his wife of 73 years, Melody, Sal leaves behind his seven sons and one daughter, fifteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous folks who called him “friend”.