Salvatore P. Saladino

On Thursday March 8th, 2018, after a short illness, Sal entered into eternal peace just days after celebrating his 69th wedding anniversary with his loving wife Anna. He leaves behind four children; Joseph (Gerry), Frank (Jean), John(Margarita), and Joanne(Nick) as well as nine wonderful grandchildren; Lisa Marie(Kent), Christine(Eric) Rosemarie(Andrew), Lauren(Gary), Nicholas(Mariya), Michael, Salvatore, Daniela, Brianna, and nine great grandchildren; Tyler, Drew, Lauren, Bryant, Evan, Kathryn, Jonathan, Anna Rose, and Alexandra. Sal was born in Brooklyn and grew up there where he graduated from Bushwick HS where he developed his artistic skills and worked as a Type Designer for Mergenthaler Linotype where he would spend the next 35 years rising to the manager of his department. Shortly after returning home from the war he met his wife Anna and they were married at St. Leo’s church in Corona in February of 1949. In the early 1950’s they moved their family to Richmond Hill where they very happily enjoyed the next 35 years before moving to Wantagh for 14 years and finally Melville.

Sal was very community oriented and a proud WWII veteran. In World War II he achieved the rank of Staff Sargent and was awarded a Medal of Commendation for his service in the European Theatre. After returning from the war he continue serving in the US Army reserves for another 12 years and remained very involved in patriotic causes having belonged to the Bellmore chapter of the American Legion where he was Commander and Legionnaire of the year. With the American Legion he helped organize the annual laying of the wreath ceremony and Memorial Day parades in Bellmore. In 2014 at that parade he was photographed saluting the American flag and this picture appeared on the front page of the Bellmore Herald weekly newspaper. In May of 2015 he was also videotaped at the Half Hollow Hills Library as part of their Veterans Testimonial Project where he talked about his WWII experiences. That film is now in the US Library of Congress. Over the years he has also enjoyed telling this story in the community and at local schools. He was also very community minded having been a member of the Bellmore Senior Center where he was president, The Queensmen Barbershop Quartet where he was the Barbershopper of the year, and the St. Frances de Chantal Choir in Wantagh. In his civic volunteer work one of his more special honors was being proclaimed Senior of the Year for the Town of Hempstead for 2004.

Sal was a prolific artist who for many years produced the graphics for the annual Queensmen Barbershop concert advertising posters and show programs. At the Bellmore Senior Center for many years he painted the home made wooden crafts that were sold at their annual craft fair. He also enjoyed painting pumpkins each fall that were personalized for each of his grandchildren. Sal also liked to sing and dance whether it was at the senior center, a birthday party or a wedding. He really lived life to the fullest with love and laughter and his loving wife Anna, but more than anything else he loved God, country and family. We could all learn about the important things in life by admiring this truly remarkable man.