John J. Salerno

John J. Salerno, 75, of Fort Myers, FL, and formerly of Southington, CT, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 surrounded by family and friends. John was the son of the late Phillip Salerno and Carmella Lubinski, and was also predeceased by a brother Ralph, sister Mary Ann, and wife Linda.

After receiving his Bachelors and Masters of Science from Central Connecticut State University, John was an integral part of Mattatuck Community College as a professor, coach and athletic director. In addition, John was also the General Manager of the Connecticut Falcons, while also serving as the first commissioner of the Womens’ Professional Softball League. In Southington, “Coach” played an essential part of developing many different youth athletic programs and athletes as the Chairman of the Park Board and with Western Little League, Southington Youth Basketball, American Legion Baseball, and as the boys’ basketball coach at Southington High School.

John leaves two sons, Jay and his wife Clare of Southington, and Kevin and his wife Kerry of Tewksbury, MA, brothers Anthony and his wife Debbie of Glastonbury, Michael and his wife Debbie of Southington, and Butchie of Southington, and a longtime companion and fiancée, Janis Petrillo of Fort Myers, FL. John is also survived by four grandchildren, Kelsey, Riley, Chloe, and Kyle, who will all dearly miss their “Papa”, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 27, 2014 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at DellaVecchia Funeral Home 211 N. Main St. in Southington, followed by a service at 7 p.m. Burial arrangements will be at the discretion of the family. Visit www.dellavecchiafh.com for online tributes and directions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to help fund MS research through http://supportlocalstuff.com/johnsalerno.