Richard L. Salemi

Rich was born on January 14, 1947, in Boston, MA, to the late Elias and Rose (Mazmanian) Salemi. Rich grew up in Jamaica Plain, MA, and graduated from Boston Technical High School in 1964. He earned a BS and MS in engineering from Northeastern University and worked for 33 years as an engineer for General Electric Aircraft Engines.

In 1971, Rich married Janice (Boyajian) Salemi, whom he adored throughout 53 wonderful years of marriage. In 1976, they moved to Marblehead where they raised their two children, Stephen and David. Rich loved the ocean and cherished spending moments on the water with his family, whether it be a day at Misery Island or fishing with his sons and, later, his grandson. Rich was a devoted father, who taught his sons the values of hard work, discipline, loyalty, and decency.

Rich most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He and Jan loved hosting holidays and entertaining, delighting guests with multi-course, home-cooked meals and lively conversation. Rich was always willing to help others, and there was seemingly nothing that Rich did not know how to fix and, if he did not know, he would research it until he did.

Rich was an adoring and proud grandfather to Michael and Amelia and a constant and important presence in their lives. He beamed watching Michael play football, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse. His “Girl,” Amelia, turned the father of boys into a “girl” grandfather, their back-and-forth banter always bringing a wide smile to his face. Michael and Amelia will always remember him teaching them to ride a bike, tinkering in his workshop with him, and swimming with him on Cape Cod.

Rich is survived by his wife, Janice; his two children, Stephen Salemi and his wife, Nicole, of Marblehead, MA, and David Salemi of New York, NY; his grandchildren, Michael and Amelia Salemi; his sister, Donna Podolsky; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of Rich’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich’s memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (www.dana-farber.org/donate). Memories and condolences may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.