Victor Joseph Salerno

Vic was a one-of-a-kind type of individual. A man of few words with a heart of gold. To be truly honest, if you never met Vic this message will only give you a small glimpse into the man he was. For those who truly knew Vic, you know what I mean.

He was born Victor. He went by Vic, but became Dad and Papa aka Pops. Whatever he went by he remained the same person. A true patriot who proudly served his country and had a work ethic like no other. He spent a majority of his life bringing vehicles back to life after they had been destroyed by their owners. Someone in his family always felt the need to seek out his professional help, some more then others. No matter what, he was always the first person that came to mind whenever anyone in his family was in need or better yet in trouble.

Vic worked as hard as he did in order to provide a fun-filled family oriented lifestyle for himself, family, and friends. He had two children from a previous marriage when he met the love of his life Donna. Donna had three children of her own. Instantly, the families became one whether they liked it or not because he was also Sgt. Salerno United States Air Force and the children learned that quickly. As years went on, the family grew many times. Vic was blessed with six ordinary granddaughters and one awesome grandson. He was also later blessed with two great grandchildren.

If you were to speak with anyone of his family and friends they would talk about, well of course his iconic mustache, it was iconic and set the bar for mustaches in the family, hence why no men in the family has one. More importantly is the amount of time everyone spent at the Salerno household throughout their lives. No matter where they lived, it was always a house filled with fun, laughter, warmth, and delicious food provided by Vic. Ok you too Donna ....sometimes. He opened up his door to anyone willing to be apart of the family he created and cherished. He protected and kept his family close.. Never a violent person, but there was always something about the man that made you feel like he could snap you in two with his bare hands if need be. A person that could have easily been the fourth gun slinging brother of the Earp family. A true definition of a family leader.

In his free time Vic loved to play baseball, fish, golf, play poker, cook, and antagonize Donna/ Grams with the help of the grand kids. He had a passion for anything competitive, which he instilled into his kids and grandkids. Never settle and always do your best. It was in his leisure activities you'd see the lighter side of Vic. His sense of humor, his laughter, his smile and man, did the guy have a great smile! He was truly one of the most easy going fun loving guys you would ever meet.

Vic was a special person and touched a lot of people's hearts. A tremendous Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend. No one could ever take your place in this world or fill the void left in our hearts. We thank you and the Lord for the countless memories you provided us that no one will ever be able to take away. This world lost one of the greats, but heaven has a star cleanup hitter now.

Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die.

Pops, you were both a Hero and a Legend. We love and miss you dearly. Until we meet again.

-Your loving family