Richard was born on September 30, 1930, in West Philadelphia, to parents Samuel and Leah Saleff. He began working at the age of 12, and went on to graduate from West Philadelphia High School in 1947. Richard joined the National Guard and also went on to establish an extended career in sales, specializing in customer relationships and quality control in the baked goods industry. Through the establishment of Richard Saleff and Son, New York Pastry, Richard built a successful business which he ran for 19 years from his home office in Northeast Philadelphia. He transitioned to employment with his highly esteemed colleagues at Petro’s Bread, and worked there for 23 years, until he fully retired in 2018.
Richard enjoyed the simple things in life, such as good food, sports, fishing, and had a great love of animals. He loved sporting events, mostly football and basketball, and also had fond memories of playing sports with his Jewish fraternity brothers in high school. Richard was passionate about food, exploring many different dishes from all over the world, including Italian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, and Tibetan foods. His favorite food was seafood, and he loved to go fishing. In fact, most family vacations involved fishing, crabbing and or boating. Richard also enjoyed going to the casino, and he loved to play the slot machines.
Richard Saleff was preceded in death by his brother Carl Saleff, his daughter Lois Poserina, and his wives Juanita Saleff and Anita Pertilli-Saleff.
Richard is survived by his children, Linda Clinger, Scott Saleff, Stacey Saleff and Josh Cohen, his grand-children, Gina and Kenny Osborn, Natalie Poserina, Shelbi Saleff-Rosen, Dave Rosen, Yuhki Saleff, and his great-grand children Samantha Osborn and Rubi Rosen.
A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, February 4, 2022, at Lamb Funeral Home and interment at Shalom Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Association for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
ASPCA
PO Box 96929
Washington, DC 20090-6929
