Remembering Michael L. Sala

Michael L. Sala, DMD

Michael L. Sala, DMD (Mike) transitioned to the next phase of his eternal journey on Wednesday, June 2, 2022. Mike was born on November 11, 1946, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Reno to parents John and Chetty Sala.

Mike attended Mary S. Doten Elementary School, Central Junior High, and Reno High School where he was an outstanding student and athlete. In 2016 he was inducted into the Reno High School Sports Hall of Fame. As an athlete, he was an integral part of two large school state championship teams. In the spring of 1963, Reno High won the basketball state championship when Mike was a junior. In the fall of 1963, Mike who was then a senior, tasted another state championship when the undefeated Reno Huskies football team beat the Western High Warriors. After high school, Mike attended the University of Nevada where he continued his athletic career in both football and baseball. He became a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and was a student leader on campus. It was during these formative years that Mike made numerous friendships that continue to exist to this day. During college, he spent a summer as a Congressional Intern in Washington, D.C. for Senator Alan Bible. It was during this same summer that Mike had a tryout with the Philadelphia Phillies Rookies. Also, it is worthy to note that Mike was 1^st team All-Far Western Conference as a linebacker and the only player from the conference to be invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game.

Upon completion of his undergraduate work at Nevada he entered dental school at the University of Louisville where he secured his DMD degree. After a stint as a dentist in the U.S. Army, Mike returned to Reno where he started a dental practice in 1974 that continues to this day. Sala Family Dentistry is operated by his sons Jason and Todd, also graduates of the University of Louisville. Mike was very proud of the dental legacy that he built and even more proud of his sons, who witnessed first-hand his hard work and grit. It was during dental school that Mike met his wife, Mary Anne. Mary Anne came from a dental family and met him while she was working at the dental school as a dental assistant. He was immediately attracted by her southern charm. A courtship ensued and they were married on January 20, 1973. Mary Anne has been by his side as a loving partner and companion from that date forward, truly a beautiful marriage.

In retirement and before, Mike and Mary Anne were avid travelers and were blessed to be able to travel all over the world. They particularly enjoyed going to Italy and the Florida Keys with friends and family. In the most recent years, Mike liked to join his friends of old at a weekly lunch get-together.

Mike was generous to his friends and community. Focus, diligence, integrity, positivity, professionalism, and gratitude were watchwords of his persona. He lived life to the fullest and was passionately engaged in all of the things he and Mary Anne loved. Not a day at work passed that Mike did not thank his employees for their dedication and service. He was truly a humble man.

Mike retired in 2005 passing the torch to his sons after working together for 5 years. He was very proud of the success and generosity that they had brought to the practice and northern Nevada community. Working together with his sons was indescribably meaningful to Mike.

Mike’s grandkids called him Poppy. They related fond memories of him making them “poppy corn” and mocktails during happy hour, playing games of pool, chasing them around the pool table, going out to lunch in a quest to find the best hamburger, and taking them fishing in Florida with the “Poppy Fishing Pole.” The family spent many happy times riding their Ranger at their Graegle retreat.

Mike is survived by his wife Mary Anne, his sons Jason (Lynsey) and Todd (Tara), and 5 grandchildren (Luke, Addison, Sawyer, Colin, and Gwen) as well as his sister Michele and brother-in-law Woody Barry and brothers-in-law Scott and Mark Whitaker. He was predeceased by his parents and in-laws, Dr. Rodney and June Whitaker, and brother-in-law, Dr. Rod Whitaker, Junior.

The family would like to acknowledge the kind caretakers during his memory care journey.

As per Mike’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date. They have asked that in lieu of flowers you consider a donation to the John Sala Memorial Endowment at the University of Nevada, Reno. The address to follow for that donation is: University of Nevada Foundation, Mail Stop 0162, Reno, NV 89557.