Eleanor (Cavalier) Salerno

Mrs. Eleanor (Cavalier) Salerno, age 71, of North Utica, passed away on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 in the comfort of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on November 1, 1935, Eleanor was the daughter of the late Nicholas, Sr. and Frances (Vivaci) Cavalier. Raised and educated in Utica, she attended Mt. Carmel Elementary School and was a 1954 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. At one time, she was married to Joseph Salerno. Eleanor’s working life included a variety of positions. She began at the Marine Midland Bank as a bookkeeper. She was next employed by the Utica City School District as the manager of food services at Roosevelt Elementary School and T. R. Proctor High School, a position from which she retired in 1982. She also worked in the food service department at the Charles T. Sitrin Healthcare Center. She was then offered a position with the City of Utica in the Comptroller’s Office, where she was respected for going beyond the call of duty to assist and lend a helping hand. The responsibilities, devoted friendships, and respect offered by this understanding group of people made the last 25 years of Eleanor’s work immeasurable. She was also remembered as welcoming the patrons of Café Caruso where she was proud to serve the customers. With a perpetual smile on her face, she embraced optimism in her daily life and was admired as a ‘great lady’. She was endowed with a humorous personality and a hard work ethic. A wonderful mother and caretaker by nature, Eleanor always had the best interest of her children and grandchildren at heart. Her most precious memories reflect back to the days she loved, when families were together for holidays and celebrations. She was devoted to her daily prayers and was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Eleanor is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Carmel and Mark Dodge of Marcy, and Francine and Daniel J. Ferro of Utica; her son, Joseph N. Salerno of Schuyler, NY. Always close to her heart was the memory of her infant son, Anthony J. Salerno, who passed away on January 23, 1961. Also surviving are her adored grandchildren, Alexandria Dodge, Suzanne Salerno, Joseph Salerno, Anthony Ferro, and Jennifer Ferro; and her two great-grandchildren, Jason John, and Jordan James. In addition, she leaves her devoted and loving sister and brother-in-law, Catherine and Carmen Caruso of Utica; her brother, Nicholas J. Cavalier, Jr. of Utica, with whom she shared a great closeness; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and her sister-in-law, Linda Cavalier. She was also blessed with terrific and loving friends, especially Thelma Porter. Eleanor loved everything about Thelma’s kindness and the special sisterhood they shared. Another exceptional, wonderful friend, Teresa Morreale, catered to Eleanor’s needs. Mike Cerminaro, Comptroller, and her fellow co-workers have been so supportive with gentle guidance and outpouring of love, especially Ron McMaster, her fun-loving friend with whom she shared many laughs. Eleanor was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, John W. and Mary Cavalier, and Anthony G. Cavalier; and her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Cavalier. The family extends many thanks for the daily phone calls, visits, prayers, and acts of support from family, friends, and co-workers; gratitude to Dr. Sultana Razia and staff, and Dr. Daniel C. Goodman for their honest, compassionate, and unending commitment; the staff of Slocum-Dickson Medical Group Chemotherapy Department; and Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, whose staff shared much comfort and kindness. Her children want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and friendship during Eleanor’s time of need and at the “Great Lady Party” event in June of 2007 --- they remain grateful for the outpouring of this community. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Eleanor’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish at Mt. Carmel Church. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Eleanor (Cavalier) Salerno

November 1, 1935 - August 22, 2007