Wilson G. Sallum, 87

The Rev. Wilson G. Sallum, 87, of Jamestown, died peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2009, at home with his family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Helen S. Sallum for 60 years.

Born in Alpinopolis, Brazil, he was a son of the late Jose J. and Graciana (Goncalves) Sallum.

Rev. Sallum graduated from the Institute Jose Manoel de Conceicao in Sao Paulo, received his master’s degree from Sao Paulo Universitary School and was ordained at the School of Theology, Independent Presbyterian Church in Sao Paulo. He attended the School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at the University of Sao Paulo and the Andover Newton Theological Institute in Newton, Mass.

Rev. Sallum served as pastor for the Presbyterian Church in Brazil from 1950 to 1957. In Fall River, Rev. Sallum was pastor of the Portuguese Assembly of God Church for 11 years and then was pastor of the Portuguese Evangelical Baptist Church until his retirement.

Rev. Sallum was broadcaster of the church’s radio program, “The Voice of Truth,” from 1968 to 1973 and was editor of the “Aurora Evangelica” of the Portuguese Evangelical Federation of New England, where he served as president for many years.

He was also a chaplain for migrant workers in Rhode Island. He was a member of the American Baptist Convention and was honored for many years of service.

Rev. Sallum loved his garden and enjoyed propagating plants, and also repairing cars and small engines in his spare time. He was a wrestling enthusiast and followed Brazilian soccer.

In addition to his wife, he leaves a son, Wilson S. Sallum and his wife, Gail R. Sallum, of Tiverton, their children, Ulysses W. Sallum, Christine O. Sallum, and Stephanie E. Sallum; and a daughter, Marcia Sallum Glassie of Jamestown and her children, Alison E. Glassie, Georgia F. Glassie, Jacqui C. Glassie and Mary L. Garnich. He also leaves a large extended family in Brazil. He was preceded in death by six siblings.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. in St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 67 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 317, Jamestown, RI 02835. Visit www.FaganQuinnFuneralHome. com for information and guestbook.