Joseph Salerno Obituary

Here is my toast at my Dad's Life Celebration Luncheon on November 7, 2009.

Good afternoon, on behalf of my mother, Barbara Ann Morse Salerno, myself, Joseph Cono, Jr., my brother Anthony Michael, and my Sister, Michelle Ann, thank you for attending the life celebration of my Dad, our Hero, Joseph Cono Salerno.

In January 1942, two loving people, Cono and Violet Salerno, gave birth to their only child, Joseph, in the city of Chicago. In the 1950's his Mother sent him to the suburbs to find a wife and lo and behold, he met my Mother, who he loved dearly and who was with him to the day he died. My Dad was many things to many people, cherished son, loving husband, devoted father, cousin, uncle, brother-in-law, mentor, friend, and the list goes on and on.

July 4, 1939 was declared "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium. It was on this occasion that Lou Gehrig made the famous farewell speech, when he declared, "...today, I consider myself, the luckiest man on the face of the earth." Lou, a hero in his own time, passed of ALS, now known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, on June 2, 1941. My Dad passed of this horrible disease on November 3, 2009.

My Dad, too, is a hero. He was a hero as a baseball coach to me when I was a young boy and my love for baseball continues to this very day. I remember every bit of him teaching me, a right-hander to pitch all demonstrated by a left-hander with his 1950s glove on his left-hand. Can you imagine? I may not have made it to the big leagues, but he taught me the game, the individual discipline to succeed, and the drive to win or at least try hard while attempting to reach my goals.

My Dad exemplified these lessons in his own life as a businessman known as Joe the Painter and Joe the Hot Dog man. He clearly instilled these values in my brother who today continues on with the Salerno's Red Hots business.

My Dad was a hero to all three of his children and eight grandchildren. He was resolute in his support for my sister as she battles cancer and his undying love and compassion was and will continue to be a great source of strength for her.

The baseball world was stunned when Lou Gherig announced he could no longer play for the Yankees! A great man of such strength would be brought to the point of quitting the very game he loved to play. What kind of horrible disease can do this to a man?

How can this disease be so cruel to such a strong man like my Dad. The disease strikes everyone differently, but Dad battled it valiantly with the same strength, drive, determination, and sense of humor that made him such a great man. He drove hard to keep going as far as his body would let him. He spent much of his time sitting, much like I'm sure Lou Gerhrig did, watching baseball, cheering on the Cubbies.

This goes out to you Dad for all the memories as a boy and a man watching the Cubbies side-by-side. I love you Dad. I'm pedaling every mile for you and Michelle so I think about you both a lot.

Please raise your glass and join me in toasting my Dad. Thank you.

Dear Barb and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. May your memories of Joe help comfort you.

Dear Barbara and Family,
We have many fond memories of Elmhurst Newcomers functions with you and Joe. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Don and Joy Epifanio

Michelle,

My prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. I know that he will be missed greatly, however he will always be with you.

Joe, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I have many wonderful memories of him during our Boy Scout camping trips. Ted

Barb,

My deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss.

Dear Mrs. Salerno, Joe, Tony, and Michelle,
I was saddened and shocked to read that Joe had passed away. May your fond memories and the love of each other sustain you through this very difficult time.
Of course, I had such fond memories of him and your family growing up, and was glad that my husband got to know him though Lombard sports and hanging out at the hot dog cart and chatting with him. He was truly a great man.
All of you are in the thoughts and prayers of myself and my family.
Joan Devlin-Cicero, Joe Cicero, and family & Dorothy Devlin

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dear Barbara and Family:

So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you and all the family.

Sincerely, Carol Manzo

Dear Joe,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. May God's arms come down from above and wrap them around you, and your family at this difficult time. God Speed, and God Bless.
Rachel Woidat-Macias

Michelle and family- I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Lori Noyer

Salerno family - Joe Sr. has left an indelible mark on each of you, something you'll alway look to and remember. My prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.

Joe, sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you, brother.

Joe, I am very sorry for your loss. I hope your memories of all things good get you and your family through the difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Theresa Norton Greco

Barbara and family,

I am so sorry and shocked. My love and prayers are with you.

MaryJo

Tony - Sorry to hear of your loss. When we used to chat I remember all the great stories you shared about you & your Dad. Try to remember all the good times during this difficult time

We were saddened to learn of Joe's death. Our sincere sympathy to you, Barb, and your family.

Joe, Michelle, and family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and Joseph Sr. The Persons.

Michelle,
I am so sorry to learn of your fathers passing. Please know your friends are thinking of you and your family. Keep him close to your heart and know he will always be with you.

Barbara and Family:

I will see you at the wake tomorrow. My sincerest condolences along with my prayers and well wishes for all of you at this difficult time. Joe was a real sweetheart and will be greatly missed. May our Catholic faith and the love of God sustain you and comfort you with all the great memories you shared with Joe. He never did an unkind thing in his life!

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Barbara,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ken and Beverly (Jackson) Loss
Wolfe City, Texas