Mrs. Jaclyn Carolyn "Jackie" (Salerno) Viti

Mrs. Jaclyn Carolyn “Jackie” (Salerno) Viti, age 32, passed into the arms of her loving Father on Thursday, February 21, 2013. Born in Utica on March 24, 1980, Jaclyn was the daughter of James and Patricia (Britelli) Salerno. She was a graduate of Notre Dame High School/Class of 1998 and continued her studies at Utica College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She pursued her post graduate work at Touro College where she was awarded her Masters degree and her permanent New York State Certification in Elementary Education. On October 25, 2008 she married her ‘soulmate’, Christopher M. Viti; they were a perfect match that truly loved, adored, and honored each other in very humble ways. Jackie was employed by the Utica City School District as an elementary teacher at Martin Luther King School and then at Watson Williams School. She flourished as a teacher mentoring and nurturing young minds, and her students’ well-being was a top priority to her. She provided love, guidance, and a concern for their physical prosperity both in and out of the classroom. Currently, she worked alongside her father, husband, and aunt in the operation of the family business at Poncell Construction. Jackie was courageous, dependable, forgiving, accepting, and unique. Her kind, fun-loving and spirited personality lit up a room. She was also a no-nonsense kind of gal when it came to things that were important to her values and morals. With her youthful glow, children gravitated to her and she had a special way with them. She was the greatest “Aunt Keke” to her nieces and nephews, and they were mesmerized by her. She loved to dance as if no one were watching and could get down with the best of them. She loved hip hop music. She was a great shopper and organizer, had fun decorating and redecorating, often changing accessories each time, and her favorite color was orange. Jackie played an integral part in preparing for, assisting and participating in the Tuesday Night Rosary Group which was hosted at her parent’s home. She found solace in camaraderie for the purpose of prayer. Jackie was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Jackie is survived by her beloved husband, “Viti”. At the time of Jackie’s passing she was blessed and anticipating the birth of their first child, a little boy; her parents, James and Patricia Salerno of New Hartford; her brother, Jimmy Salerno, Jr. of Philadelphia; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Tricia and Steven Quagrello, and Nina and Carey Fortnam, all of Fairport. She was also blessed with an exceptional sisterhood with Sara Rich. She will also be forever remembered by her nieces and nephews, Isabella, Anthony, and Mia Quagrello; Ava Fortnam, as well as an anticipated new niece; and Drew Witchley; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Guy, Jr. and Lucy (Attili) Viti of Whitesboro; her sister-in-law and her husband, Kimberly and Dave Witchley; aunts and uncles, Betty Dutcher, Bernadette Hughes, Judi and Louis Powers, and Frank “Ranny” Britelli, Joseph and Anna Rose Salerno, Lorraine “Cookie” Riscica, and Theresa Sokolowski; and many cousins. Jackie was also loved by her grandmother-in-law Lena Attili, as well as her many aunts, uncles, and cousins of the Viti and Attili families. Jackie’s life was enhanced with the love and support of Anne Marie and John Rich as well as their families, and she especially loved the summers with them at Sylvan Beach. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Frank and Lucy (Fiore) Britelli; and her paternal grandparents, James, Sr. and Rose (Barone) Salerno. The family is grateful for the efforts and compassion of the Whitestown Police Department and the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Emergency Room staff, especially Varinya Sheppard. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker St., (corner of John St.) All visitors will be given the opportunity to pay their respects. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jackie’s funeral service which will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Jaclyn Carolyn "Jackie" (Salerno) Viti

March 24, 1980 - February 21, 2013