Mr. Thomas J. "Tommy" Saladino

UTICA - Mr. Thomas J. “Tommy” Saladino, age 67, passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021. It was with much affection that his siblings remained with him to the very end as he crossed over to begin his new journey. Born in Rome on August 7, 1954, Thomas was the son of the late Sam J. and Antonia “Toni” (Jovane) Saladino, loving parents whose teachings provided him a wonderful foundation. Tommy attended H.R. Jones Elementary School, J.F. Hughes Middle School, and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1972. He continued his studies in Finance at MVCC. At the age of 16, while still in high school, Tommy began working at the Oneida National Bank, Whitesboro Branch. He was promoted to the position of Loan Officer, serving the patrons of both the Mohawk Street, East Utica branch and the New Hartford location. Each friendship he made with those he encountered was done with great sincerity, a genuine nature, and it was always with efforts to benefit those in need; to this day, he has never been forgotten for his guidance. Tommy’s heart and soul were immeasurable, and he was always on a mission to assist others. His hospitality was heartfelt and his laughter was infectious, often to the point of shedding funny tears! Everyone who knew him had a memorable “Tommy tale”, and never a negative word to say about him….He was truly beloved. Tommy’s time on earth was cut short, but God called him home and his journey is now complete ~ it is a comfort for his siblings that he is now back with his mom and dad who he adored. He was understanding of people’s needs and he showed tenderness, empathy, and leadership. He was a “mayor”, mediator, and mentor, no matter where he was. If socializing could be an occupation, Tommy fulfilled that role to its greatest capacity. He was always looking for a new adventure in his life, so he relocated to sunny Florida where he relished in the sunshine and was mesmerized by the magic of the ocean. In July of 2009 he wanted to return home to be among relatives and friends of yesteryear. His family was always first, and they exchanged multiple daily phone calls. Tommy never lost faith in the power of the positive relationship he had with his siblings. There was nothing Tommy couldn’t accomplish; he overcame any of his own life adversities with grace, independence, and determination. He was an inspiration and blessing to many, and his contribution was that he left this world a better place. Tommy was a parishioner of Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish (Church of Our Lady of Lourdes). He loved the Lord and he always knew he was never forsaken. Tommy possessed the embodiment and values of the Saladino family, and he was treasured as their nucleus ~ rest in peace, brother. Tommy is survived by his brothers, Ricardo “Rick” Saladino, and Robert A. “Bobby” Saladino Sr.; and his sister and brother-in-law, Nilsa and Richard Barone. He also leaves his cherished nieces and nephews, Tina Marie Saladino-Drahos and her husband John, Nicole Saladino-Vecchione, her husband Vincent, and their son Vincent Vecchione, Jr.; Daniele and Brian Evans, Gina and Joseph Milot III; Robert “Robbie” Jr. and Lori Saladino, the memory of his niece Jennifer Lynn Saladino who passed on November 28, 2010; twins Nicholas Barone and Nicole and Kenneth Powers Jr., Michael Barone, and Gina and Matthew Ptak; great-nieces, great-nephews, Dylan, Rylee, Logan, Sam, and Sarah, also remembering Infant Maximus J. Ptak; many beloved cousins; and each of Tommy’s many friends who were precious and meaningful to him and are entrusted to keep the stories alive and entertaining as the years go by and the memories survive, with special mention of Carmen Lee and Diane Hanna. The family extends sincere appreciation to; Dr. Gordon Fung, Tommy’s beloved primary physician; Dr. Moshim Kukar and the staff at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; the staff of Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) for their compassionate care, all of whom cared for Tommy with great affection, especially Charge Nurse Christine Bauer, RN Carlye Stella, NP/Joe Rasnick, and NP/Alex. Visitation will be held Monday, October 25, 2021 from 10:00-11:30 at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish (Church of Our Lady of Lourdes) 2222 Genesee St. Utica. Thomas’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 Noon at church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will be held in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Thomas J. "Tommy" Saladino

August 7, 1954 - October 16, 2021