“Heart of an Angel”: Anita makes the world a better place

Born in New Jersey, Anita grew up in a middle-class working family of six. Her parents, Francis and Rose Saputo, instilled high moral values in their four children. They championed a strong faith in the Lord that has made Anita the compassionate person she is today. 

Anita regularly shows love to those in need, demonstrating her grace. She is an active member of her community and she never turns her back on someone in need. She shows respect to everyone she meets, no matter their circumstances. 

As a Vice President of Tax for a healthcare organization, Anita is living proof that hard work and dedication pay off. According to her husband, Sal, she is constantly learning and trying to improve herself. 

“She is learning to speak Korean,” he said. “She loves to travel and experience new cultures, food and dance,” he continued. 

Sal and Anita have two amazing children, Alexander and Millie. “She takes pride in everything she does, especially being a mother,” said Sal. Known to be fair but firm with her children, Anita applies the right amount of motherly support while motivating them to excel in life. 

“She knows when to push them, and she knows when to give them a hug and listen,” said Sal. “She is the best parent I have ever seen,” he said. 

Both Sal and Anita attended Montclair State University. It only took one look and Sal was in love. He caught a glimpse of her from afar, but she was too preoccupied to notice Sal. “She was beautiful, but she didn’t look my way,” he recalled. 

Sal decided to apply the oldest trick in the dating handbook, he became friends with his leading lady’s best friend. Unbeknownst to him, Anita was preoccupied with her responsibilities as both a student and a caregiver for her sick father. 

After hearing the news, Sal slowed things down but let Antia’s friend know he was still interested. They ended up at the same club after about six weeks, and he made his move. 

They shared their first kiss that night. All these years later, Sal remembers it like it was yesterday. “Our first kiss was amazing. I will never forget it,” he said with a huge smile. A month or so later, they officially started dating and never looked back.

Anita works hard, constantly gives back to others, and takes pride in being someone that others can count on. When she has free time, you can find her learning a new dance, reading a book, or simply relaxing in front of a Korean Drama – no doubt she is sharpening her new language skills. 

Sal has a special memory of a nearly perfect plan that almost went awry. Anita had organized a Mets game outing to celebrate Sal’s 30th birthday, and she invited his friends, cousins and siblings to join in on the fun. Everyone was enthusiastic about the big night out and wore their Mets gear to show support for Sal’s favorite team. 

The only thing Anita had not planned for was the weather. The game was canceled. Not to be deterred, Anita pivoted, improvised, and found a great place for food, fun and drinks. “We had the best time,” said Sal. 

Anita is truly dedicated to her family. Recently, Anita’s mom, Rose, moved in with them after the death of her significant other. Anita has opened up her home and heart to those in need throughout her life, and it’s something that Sal admires most about his amazing wife. 

Anita is one of a kind. Not many wives would choose to spend their honeymoon on a three-state baseball stadium tour or travel for 14 hours while being eight months pregnant to attend the first game ever at Citi Field. Sal is truly a blessed man to have her as his wife. 

Sal had a final message for his beloved wife. He wants her to know that she has made him a better man and that her patience with him is greatly appreciated. Sal knew from the moment he saw her how special she was. 

“I believe God has put her on this earth to make it a better place. Everyone who has the pleasure of knowing Anita is better off for it.”