Joseph “Joe” Salerno

Joseph “Joe” Salerno passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2022, in Phoenix Arizona. He was surrounded by his devoted family and wife, Louise, who was the love of his life for over 50 Years. He was born in the Bronx, New York on September 16, 1938 and is predeceased by his parents, Michelina (Russo), Angelo Salerno and brother Carmine Salerno.

After graduating from High School, Joe enlisted into the US Navy on September 21, 1955. He was proud of his service and loved his country. He supported our Nation’s Veterans and active service members throughout his life in both words and deeds. He was so proud that his Great Granddaughter, Avalee’s first loved song was the National Anthem.

After serving his Country, Joe worked several jobs, one of which was for the local newspaper, The Poughkeepsie Journal. However, his sites were set on obtaining a job at IBM, and at least once a week he would stop at IBM and inquire on open Job positions. His persistence prevailed Joe obtained a position at IBM, in Poughkeepsie, New York. His career at IBM, lasted over 30 years, where he not only had great success, but found true and lasting friendships. He retired from IBM in 1995.

Following retirement, Joe and Louise enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona. Eventually, Arizona became their home, where Joe cherished spending time with his loved ones on the family horse ranch. He was known to the horses as the “Treat Man”. When the horses would see him walking down to the barn you could hear them whinnying for miles. He was an avid, sports fan, loyal to the Yankees, Giants, and never missing an Army-Navy football game. He was also known as a James Bond 007 Super Fan and would enjoy an occasional Bond Movie marathon.

Joe’s amazing character, compassion, humor and devotion made him a pillar among his family and many lifelong friends. He loved family gatherings, Holidays, and home cooked Italian food. He was always one to encourage a creative spark in those close to him, he would, on occasion, also enjoy burnt pancakes made by his kids and niece/daughter Jonna Spilbor, with the same enthusiasm as if it was prepared by a world class chef. He was proud of his childrens’ and grandchildrens’ accomplishments and would talk about his family to everyone he encountered.

Joe is survived by a large and loving family, his loving and devoted wife, Louise (Fusaro), children, Gina(Quint) Cadwallader and her husband Brian of Arizona; his daughter Patricia Quint of Arizona; his son Joseph Salerno and wife Stephane of Florida; daughter Lisa Quint and her partner Kevin Rhoades of Kingston New York; daughter Gina (Salerno) Farleo and her husband Tommy of Florida. Grandchildren, Jenna (Cadwallader) Duhon and husband Trevor of Arizona; Andrew Biengardo of Florida, Nicholas Biengardo of Florida; Alexa Salerno of Florida and Joseph Salerno of Florida, Great Grandchildren, Avalee Duhon of Arizona and Briggs Duhon of Arizona. Cousins, Linda (Salerno) Lawrence and Lorraine (Salerno) Dziadik of Florida. Joe is also survived by a large extended family, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, Sister-in-laws, Brother in Laws and his lifelong friends.

He will be honored on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 1:00 PM, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona/Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona. The family has requested in lieu of flowers that you make a donation toward your favorite charity.