Joseph J. Salerno

A livestream of the services for Joseph Salerno will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 31, 2023 at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrIg3kGiPLJhCWnjzB4ZLIg

Salerno, Joseph J., baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Joseph, almost 93, passed away peacefully in his home with family at his side. He was born on May 17, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the oldest of four siblings Marilyn, Jimmy, Mike, and Frank. His parents Anthony and Josephine raised him with the core values of love of family, love of hard work, and a love of the Catholic faith.

Joseph attended St. Phillip High School in Chicago, Illinois, where he was captain of the football team. He enjoyed playing golf with his buddies Bob, Jim, and Frank as well as judging swimming and diving contests for his grandchildren, hosting the annual Papa NCAA March Madness brackets, and spending Sunday afternoons watching football and following his favorite teams.

He married Mary Frances Mendolia on January 29, 1955, at St. John’s Church in Kansas City, Missouri. His love and dedication to Mary, “his bride” of 57 years, was an example of a blessed marriage to their family and friends. Mary was taken to the Lord in 2011. He never truly understood why God took her before him and talked about it often. He missed her terribly but is now with his bride. Keeping his beloved Mary’s catchphrase alive, Joseph would respond “I love you more” each time someone would tell him they loved him. His work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him to open and own Advance Carpet. All six of his children worked for their father where they learned the importance of discipline, work ethic, and relationships.

Joseph leaves behind his children Beth Ernst, Susan (Phillip, deceased) Bruno, Joan (John, deceased) Morrissey, Marynel (Hank) Collins, Tony (Mary) Salerno, Ahnna (Denny) Bruno. He was the loving Papa to his nineteen grandchildren: Bill, Chris (Sara), Anna (Patrick), Phillip (Megan), Maria, John Finney (Brittany), Katie, Julie (Jeremy), Joe Pat, Clair (Dan), Joe, Angeline (Tom), Nick, Tony, Grace, Joseph, Samantha, Nathan, and Madelynn. He was also blessed with fourteen great grandchildren:

Annemarie, Emmet, Colin, Lilyanna, Andrew, Nolan, Wyatt, Ollie, Finney, Margot, Franco, Gianna, Olivia, and Eliana.

Joseph will be missed by his sister-in-law Florence Leber, brothers Mike (Pat) and Frank (Linda) Salerno. Preceding him in death were his parents, Anthony and Josephine, sister Marilyn, brother Jim and sister-in-law Sophie, as well as nephews Mark and Jimmy Salerno. His many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will miss the joy that Joe brought into their lives. His traditions and memories will be cherished.

We want to especially thank his caregiver, Natalie Wilson, for the loving care she provided him. Also, we would like to thank the parishioners of St. Clare and everyone who has included Joseph in their prayers.

Services: Friday, March 31, 2023. Visitation at St. Clare of Assisi Church, 15642 Clayton Road, 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, 16200 Manchester Road. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to The Joseph and Mary Salerno Scholarship at Chaminade College Prep. or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.