Tony Saladino Jr.

Tony Saladino, 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Brandon, Fla., surrounded by family, on August 19, 2025. A Tampa native, born in Ybor City, Mr. Saladino dedicated his life to his family, his faith, and the youth of his community.

A graduate of Jefferson High School, he earned a degree in physical education from the University of Tampa (’58) and a master’s degree in education from George Peabody College (Vanderbilt) (’61). He went on to serve the Hillsborough County School District for 57 years, teaching physical education at Forest Hills, Seffner, Valrico, and Pinecrest elementary schools.

Mr. Saladino was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Bertha (née Burruezo) Saladino, who passed in 2016 but remained the love of his life. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Carmen (née Cagnina) Saladino. His father – his best friend – instilled in him a lifelong love of baseball. After his father’s sudden passing in 1961, Tony, with Bertha’s encouragement, found a way to honor him. Together, they established the Tony Saladino Award in 1971, recognizing Hillsborough County’s top senior high school baseball player. Over the years, 56 players have received the award, 14 of whom went on to play in Major League Baseball.

In 1981, the couple also founded the Tony Saladino Baseball Tournament, which completed its 44th edition this past March.

Tony and Bertha raised two children, Tony Saladino III (Cheryl) and Toni Misty Saladino-Feist (Todd), and their children Tony Saladino IV (Danielle), Juston Feist (Desiree), Austin Sullivan, Jordan Feist (Taylor), Karis Lott (Ashley), Jonah Feist, Nico Saladino (Tiffany) and Noah Saladino. As well as his great grandchildren: Eli Saladino, Tony Saladino V, Eva Feist and Baker Saladino. Tony also lovingly embraced his stepchildren Thom Rodgers, Bette Nunez, and Linda Trujillo. Together, the family grew to include 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Mr. Saladino received numerous honors for his lifelong service as both an educator and community leader. He was inducted into the Sports Club of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame and the Jefferson High School Hall of Fame, and was just announced as the recipient of the Sam Bailey Award from the University of Tampa Athletics Hall of Fame. He was also recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the Tampa Baseball Museum, the Hispanic Heritage Award from the Tampa Bay Rays, and the People’s Champion Award from the Tampa Tribune.

His legacy also lives on in the community landmarks bearing his and Bertha’s names: Tony and Bertha Saladino Park, and the baseball fields at both South Brandon Little League and Sadie Park. The couple was further honored by both the Hillsborough County Commission and the School Board.

Mr. Saladino loved sports of all kinds, but nothing brought him greater joy than watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete. He remained active in his community throughout his life, serving on countless boards, attending his home parish of Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon, sharing regular lunches with friends, and cherishing every encounter with former students and players.

Services will be held this week. A public visitation will take place 4-8 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2025 at Bell Shoals Baptist Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon, Florida. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 East Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, Florida. Interment to follow in Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa, Florida.

The family request no flowers, instead the Saladino family requests that donations be made to support the continuation of the Saladino Baseball Tournament. Contributions may be sent via Venmo (@saladinotournament) or by check, payable to “Saladino Tournament,” and mailed to 3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Unit #328, Valrico, FL 33596.