Dora Mazzella Salzano

Dora was born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio by her parents John and Palmina (Tomaselli) Mazzella.

Dora graduated from Charleston High School in Charleston, WV. She enjoyed extracurricular school activities, including participating in the high school Purple Dragons talent show and basketball team.

After High School, Dora attended both Morris Harvey College and Mason College of Music and Fine Arts, both also in Charleston WV, in the music program where she started her young career as a violinist.

She went on to play first chair violin in the Charleston Symphony Orchestra between 1948 and 1953. She also loved to play her violin and ukulele at social and family events.

During that time, Dora also had a job working in the billing department with the C&P telephone company.

In 1954, she met her future husband Carlo Salzano in Charleston, WV whom she later married and shared 3 children. Dora will always be remembered for her rich Catholic faith, sense of humor, easy going nature and commitment to family and friends.

Dora enjoyed meeting friends and planning activities in a local Italian rooted social club called the Ameritas. She also spent years playing in the local duckpin bowling league.

After moving to Arlington, Va in the 60s with her family, Dora started a 30-year career as cafeteria manager at St. Thomas More Cathedral School. She loved entertaining, making big Italian dinners with her homemade pasta and all the trimmings for family and friends.

Dora also published an Italian cookbook co-authored with her dear friend Evelyn DiTosto.

She was blessed to have many grandchildren and also great grandchildren. She is survived by her 3 children, Maria Tedesco (Bill), Frank Salzano (Belinda), and Carlo “Cj” Salzano Jr (Michele); 8 grandchildren, Michael, Gina, Elisa, Lia, Monica, Jenna, Jackie and Joseph. 9 Great grandchildren Claire, Allie, William, Lia, Ronan, Scarlett, Brett, Brody, and Luka. Dora is survived by her sister Eva Kennedy.

Catholic Mass to be celebrated at 10am on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at St. Thomas More Cathedral in Arlington, VA. Inurnment to follow at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Memorial gifts may be made in Dora’s name to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington, ccda.net by choosing Donate select “dedicate this gift to a friend or loved one” fill in appropriate information.