Anthony “Tony” Salamone, 94, of St. Petersburg, a well-known area resident and World War II veteran, passed away early Saturday morning, March 2, 2019 at Clarview Nursing Home in Sligo.
Anthony was born on January 5, 1925 in Cleveland, OH. He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Balsamo Salamone. Tony was a devoted Catholic and longtime member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Parker, and later, Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Emlenton.
Tony grew up in Parker and was drafted into World War II. He joined the Navy and was assigned to the Gun Boat LCF6 and was at Omaha Beach in Normandy on D Day. He loaded 40 mm guns until the beach at Normandy was secured. Tony was discharged from the Navy on his 21st birthday, January 5, 1946. He was a charter member of the Parker VFW Post #7073.
He was a well-known retail grocery store employee, having worked in the produce department for many years at Corso’s Market, J&M, and Comet Market in Parker and Linnon’s Foodland in Mariasville. He also drove a crude oil truck for Valvoline for many years.
Tony married Lois Linnon on August 4, 1951 at St. Mary of the Snows Roman Catholic Church in Parker. The couple enjoyed many good years together, spending time with their family and friends. The Salamone’s front porch was a favorite gathering place for St. Petersburg neighbors on summer evenings. Lois passed away on July 23, 2015.
Tony loved people and was always willing to lend his support.
Surviving are two daughters, Judy Lentz and her husband, Steve, of Emlenton and Jean Schaffer and her husband, Jim, of Pahrump, NV; four grandchildren, Eric Lentz and his wife, Cassie, of Seattle, WA, Erin Lentz-McMahon and her husband, John, of Villanova, Joanna Holleman and her husband, Bruce, and Jamie Schneider, all of Pahrump, NV; six great grandchildren, Alex and Kai Anthony Lentz, Dylan Caha, Kaylee Holleman, Charlotte Ballantine, and Lorraine Schneider; four step grandchildren, Malia Sievertson, Maura, Jackie and John McMahon III and a brother-in-law, Tony Rutkowski of Harrisburg.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Josephine Ford, Ann Rutkowski, and Evelyn Tatarko.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton, from 4 – 7 p.m. Friday. (Members of Saint Michael Church will pray the Rosary with the family at 3:30 p.m; a vigil service will be held 7 p.m.) Military honors accorded by the VFW Post #7073 and American Legion Post #598 both of Parker will be at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Emlenton with the Rev. Johnathan Schmolt, parochial administrator, and Rev. Mr. Nick Cirell, church deacon, officiating. Interment will take place in St. Petersburg Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Tony’s name may be made to St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, PO Box 177, Emlenton, PA 16373. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.