Joesph Salerno ‘10
oseph was born on July 19th, 1986, in Hoffman Estates, Illinois to Steven and Deborah Salerno. He grew up in Westerville, Ohio, where he immersed himself in various sports, with a special love for baseball, hockey, and golf. Joseph attended St. Paul Elementary School and St. Francis DeSales High School, where he met his soulmate, Charissa (“Missy”), as well as his lifelong friends who became family.
He is preceded in death by his father, Steven, and his grandparents Frank and Marie Salerno, and Ken and Valerie Francis. Joseph is survived by his mother, Debbie, his wife, Missy (Davis) Salerno, their cherished children, Gianna and Dominic, his brother, Steven Jr. (Jennifer), and their children Jordan, Steven, Brayden, and Noah, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Kim and Jim Davis, sister-in-law Jordyn (Michael), and their children Emma, Kellen, Leo, and Finn Doone. His bright and affectionate personality is also survived by so many friends that were like family to him.
A very proud father, Joseph shared his love for hockey, golf, and baseball with his children. Known for his infectious smile, genuine kindness, and impeccable sense of humor, he left an incredible mark on the lives of so many. In his leisure time, Joseph enjoyed golfing, great food, good music, walks through local parks, watching Chicago sports, and walks with his black lab Wrigley; but he mostly just enjoyed simple moments with his family at home. He loved his family deeply and would go along with whatever wild ideas Missy had in mind.
Joseph’s final act of kindness was to be an organ and tissue donor through Lifeline of Ohio, ensuring his legacy lives on through kindness to others.
Public visitation will be held Wednesday, September 18th from 3-7pm at Schoedinger Worthington located at 6699 N. High Street. A funeral mass will be held on September 19th at 10:30am at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 313 North State Street. Interment will be private at a later date, however the family asks that you please join them at The Abruzzi Club, located at 273 Hanawalt Road, for a celebration of Joseph’s life immediately following the mass service from 12-3pm. Feel free to come casual, changing into sports/baseball attire (Go Cubs Go!).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Joseph’s memory. His family hopes he will be remembered with joy in their hearts by all who knew him.