Thomas Charles Salliotte

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Charles Salliotte. Tom passed away peacefully at his home from complications of IBM (Inclusion Body Myositis), in New Albany, OH surrounded by family and loved ones on November 7, 2026.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Carolyn (Kudla) Salliotte, and in-laws Bill and Mary Kelley; granddaughter, Hannah Salliotte, and brothers-in-law, Jim Kelley and Joe Bialczyk.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Karen Kelley Salliotte. His children Noelle (Dale) Hedman and Sean (Memory) Salliotte. His siblings Kathleen (Dick) Willis, Larry Salliotte, Laurie (Joe) Bialczyk, Diane (Owen) Seeley, and Monica (Craig) Czajka. Grandchildren, Ben, Erik, Jenna Hedman and Payden Salliotte.

As a young man Tom showed what an exemplary person he had become. From being an Eagle Scout to an industrious employee at McLouth Steel all in order to buy his first car. All prior to being drafted into the Navy and deployed to Viet Nam. He suffered for several months in a Navy hospital with gangrene.

Tom graduated in 1962 from Xavier high school in Ecorse, MI. He served in the Navy from 1965–1969 during the Viet Nam war. Upon returning from the Navy, Tom attended college at Central Washington, graduating with two bachelor’s degrees in business. Upon graduation he began his over 40-year career as an Account Executive in Senior Management with several different companies, including LEGO and Eli Lilly. Tom ultimately retired from AT&T. On December 14, 1990, Tom married the love of his life, Karen Kelley Salliotte.

Tom always thought of others first, by lighting up a room with his infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor. Tom always had a natural way of engaging those around him. To know Tom was to love him. He and Karen loved to share a passion for traveling to the Caribbean on many cruises and to all 50 states.

Through Tom’s inner strength and faith, he was always dedicated to his Catholic faith and has been a member of the Church of the Resurrection in New Albany, Ohio since 1995 with his wife Karen. Tom served in the Church Choir, was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, 10941 New Albany Council, and on the Welcoming Committee. He served as a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion and as an Adorer of the Eucharist, the Young at Heart Ministry and member of the Friendship Club of Licking County and volunteered at the Davis Shae House, and with the Columbus Picnic with the Pops, and the Catholic Cum Christo Association.

In 2007 Tom was diagnosed with IBM, a rare Auto Immune disease from the effects of Agent Orange while serving his country. He has participated in three clinical trials and hosted over 10 fundraisers for IBM along with hosting extensive support groups.

One of Tom’s favorite movies was Father Stu, a movie about a priest who ends up with IBM. Although, it only shows a little of the disease, it made Tom feel he wasn’t alone with a brother in Christ also experiencing the same debilitating disease.

They say God gives his hardest battles to His strongest soldiers!! Tom carried his cross with dignity, courage, grace and of course humor!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tom Salliotte’s name to the Myositis Association. Refer to the Myositis.org website.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230, with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection, 6300 East Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054.

Following Mass, family and friends are invited to return to Schoedinger Northeast from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. to share a meal and tell stories in remembrance of Tom.