Ernest Saladino

Ernest Saladino, 75, born on August 19, 1944, peacefully passed away at James A. Haley VA hospital in Tampa, Florida on December 6, 2019 due to complications of lung cancer. He was a Vietnam Veteran and continued his military service as an Army Reservist for 10 more years. Holding a handful of jobs, he found his passion working alongside family and friends at A-Universal Pawn where he spent most of his career. He was fondly known as “Sal” to all who knew him. He was passionate about honor and duty, but his bedrock was family. Secretly, and not so secretly, he had a tendency to do random acts of kindness that was driven by his character felt by all those he came in contact with him. He had a rough exterior and an affinity to debate positions of conversation, however he was warm and soft to those who were authentic and honest. He lovingly referred to his dogs as his kids and surrounded himself with them throughout his life.

Ernest is survived and loved by his wife Cindy J. Saladino, his sons Phillip C. (Rachel), Wesley, and Christopher (Heather), his granddaughters Alexis, Carley, and Aria, his siblings Phillip J., Dorothy Weis, Wayne (Lorna), Nan Trumbull (John), and Rachelle Garcia (David), his nieces and nephews Kevin, Ehrin, Stephen, Nicole, Brittni, Jennifer, Jeremy, Elliot, Elaura, Angeleah, Larissa, and Rick. He was predeceased by his parents Phillip L., Gladys and sister Christine.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 11AM to 12Noon at Gonzalez Funeral Home with memorial services beginning at 12noon.