Sam J. Saladino

Mr. Sam J. Saladino, age 95, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2006, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with his family by his side. Born in Rocco Palumbo, Province of Palermo, Sicily on November 27, 1910, Sam was the son of the late Antonio and Florence (Piazza) Saladino. As a child, his family moved to the U.S. and he was raised here and attended local schools. On August 18, 1943 he was joined in marriage with the former Antonia "Toni" Jovane with whom he shared a union of 56 years prior to her passing on April 13, 2000. As a couple especially well-suited for one another, Sam and Toni created and maintained a relationship which was founded upon love and honesty and which was blessed with the joys of family which truly enriched their marriage and their lives. Sam served his country in the U.S. Army over a period of time that encompassed both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He retired with the rank of Sergeant after a military career of more than 26 years. Locally Mr. Saladino was employed with the W.T. Grant Co. where he worked as an Assistant Manager, providing loyal and conscientious service until the time of his retirement from the firm. During his association with Grant's, his engaging personality and his helpful ways made him a well-known, well-liked, and well-respected figure throughout the North Utica community that he served through his position at the store. A devoted husband and family man, Sam was totally committed to his loved ones, a man who always focused his love, his concern, and his support on his children and his grandchildren. Infusing his family relationships with his customary good nature and winning ways, he established deep and enduring relationships with his daughter and his sons, and with their children as well. Imbued with a strong and honorable work ethic that was evident in his military service, in his local employment and in his home life where he helped his wife with many household chores, he passed on his values to his children and to all succeeding generations. Among his preferred interests, Sam was an avid baseball fan. He also enjoyed trout fishing in West Canada Creek, where he had his favorite and secret "fishing holes." A deeply spiritual man, Sam was devoted to his church, Our Lady of Lourdes, where he demonstrated his dedication to the parish by his membership in the Ushers' Club, a group that he once served as president. Mr. Saladino is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Nilsa A. and Richard F. Barone of Utica; three sons, Richard J. Saladino of Boca Raton FL, Robert A. Saladino, Sr. of Utica, with whom he resided, and Thomas J. Saladino of Coral Springs FL; 13 grandchildren, twins Nicholas R. Barone of Utica, and Nicole A. Barone of Palm Beach, FL, Michael F. Barone of Palm Beach, FL, Gina M. Barone of Utica, Tina Marie and John Drahos of Ocean Port, NJ, Nicole A. Saladino of Tinton Falls, NJ, Danielle M. Saladino, Gina M. Saladino, both of Clinton, Jennifer L. Saladino of Rosedale, CA, Robert Saladino, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, James D. Hoffman, and Christopher M. Hoffman, both of Albany; and two cherished great-grandchildren, Dylan Drahos and Rylee Drahos. His survivors also include a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Dorothy Saladino of Atlanta, GA; a number of nieces, nephews, especially acknowledging Rocco and Libby Barella of New Hartford and Anthony Barella, Jr. of Utica, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, including Thomas and Louise Damiano of Utica; and a sister-in-law, Esther Ugrin of OR. He was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law who were local residents, Lucy and Anthony Barrella; and two sisters in Italy. The family offers its sincere thanks to the doctors, the nurses, and the personnel of the ICU at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their care and compassion, and also to the staff of the 1st floor at the Charles T. Sitrin Nursing Home for their devoted attention and concern. In keeping with Sam's wishes, there will no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated with military honors on Tuesday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. Please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial offerings in Sam's honor to the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Sam J. Saladino

November 27, 1910 - February 12, 2006