New Providence Reds
Coach Sal Nesto (1959-2024)
The Reds are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Coach Sal Nesto on Monday, July 8, 2024. Coach Sal has been in the third base coaches box for almost two decades and has been a part of 5 Championships for the Reds. This season has felt different without Coach Sal on the field, but his presence will never be forgotten. Sal was fortunate to coach all 3 of his sons on the Reds at various times in their careers: Ray (33), Matt (30) and Derek (19). His loving wife Lisa could always been seen in the crowd cheering on her husband and sons, as could Ray's wife Sarina and Matt's wife Emily.
We were so blessed to have him in our dugout, and his memory will always be with the Reds.
Salvatore Joseph Nesto, Jr., 64, of New Providence passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, July 8, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, cousin, uncle, coach, and mentor.
Sal was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Nesto, as well as his children, Raymond and his wife Sarina, new grandson, Gianni, Matthew and his wife Emily, and Derek, his three brothers, Anthony and his wife Micheline, Nicholas and his wife Dawn, Dean and his wife Nicole, and sister-in-law, Gina Conti and her husband, Kurt Conti. He was adored by many nieces and nephews.
Fondly known as Sal (or “Sally Boy”), was born in Newark, NJ to parents Salvatore and Barbara (Franco) Nesto. He grew up in Bloomfield and met his wife of 39 years, Lisa, in middle school. Sal attended Bloomfield High School and graduated from Montclair State with a major in political science. After college, he pursued a career in construction like his father, uncle and grandfather. He was an estimator and worked at Conti Enterprises for the majority of his career. Sal’s organizational skills and attention to detail were unmatched. During his career, he formed lifelong friendships with his colleagues and could always be counted on for his leadership and guidance.
Sal’s love of his family was an example for all of us to follow. He was a man of great faith and an active member of the church. He left a positive impression and lasting impact on everyone he met. He was a true, loyal friend, maintaining relationships for decades. And for his family, he was there for every single moment. He never missed any of his sons games – his paradise was on the ballfield. His love for coaching and mentorship extended beyond just his family as he touched and impacted countless ballplayers over the years. He was the PAL Baseball Commissioner of New Providence, and he selflessly coached and instructed hundreds of kids during his years in the town. Most recently, he coached The New Providence Reds, a summer league team that all his sons were a part of.
Sal had an admirable bond with his three brothers. He not only served as their big brother but also as their role model. Throughout their childhood, Sal was the leader of all neighborhood recreational activities on Collins Avenue in Bloomfield. He spent countless hours playing wiffleball, street hockey and football with his brothers and neighbors. Sal and his brothers treasured spending their summers in Long Branch and at the swim club. He coached softball with Anthony at Bloomfield College, with Nicky he shared a love for Notre Dame football and fishing, and with Dean he enjoyed fantasy sports and sports memorabilia collecting. They could always be found at family parties joking and critiquing any sporting event or show on television. Their time together was like a real-life Seinfeld episode. All four brothers shared a love and camaraderie that set an example for Sal’s three sons.
Sal followed in his mother’s footsteps, making homemade pizza on Friday nights, a tradition his sons continue to carry on. He was a huge New York Yankees, Notre Dame Football, New York Rangers and New York Giants fan. Sal cherished spending time with his family watching and rooting on their favorite teams. They enjoyed vacationing in Cape May every year, attending countless sporting events and concerts, and visiting the birthplace of baseball, Cooperstown, NY, where Sal coached all three boy’s teams.
The pride and joy of Sal’s life was his wife, Lisa, and his three boys, Raymond, Matthew, and Derek. He was their Coach on the field, and in life. The lessons he taught them will continue to be passed on through their own children. His legacy will continue to live on through them.
Donations in memory of Sal can be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
