Frank J. Salerno Jr.

September 09, 1930 – January 30, 2022

Yonkers native Frank J. Salerno Jr. passed away due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease on January 30, 2022 at the age of 91. Frank was born and raised in Yonkers, NY by his parents Frank Salerno Sr. and Rose Tocco. Frank graduated from Yonkers High School where he played trumpet in the school band. Upon graduation he worked with his father as a heavy-duty construction mechanic and married his high school sweetheart, Carmella Cannavo (predeceased). Frank was soon drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War where he took classes in electronics. He was subsequently stationed at the White Sands, New Mexico Proving Ground to work on guided missile systems, electronic and hydraulics.

After completing his service in 1953, Frank went back to work with his father. He then had a long career with the Yonkers Department of Public Works where he held various jobs such as chauffeur, sanitation man, mechanic, and finally Automotive Repairs Superintendent which he retired from in 1985.

Frank was a devoted husband to Carmella and father to his two daughters, Francine and Rosina, and his son Michael(predeceased). A hard worker, he often held two jobs to ensure his family was well taken care of. Carmella was quite ill during a large portion of her life and Frank was always there to do whatever was needed for her and their children. He was a loving and dedicated spouse.

Frank took his responsibility as the oldest son seriously and was a dedicated son and brother. He was always there whenever needed for his mother, father, and brothers, Mickey and Joey.

He had several hobbies, one of which was construction. He helped build his home in Yonkers and then used the blueprints to build his family a summer home in Wurtsboro, NY. As he said of the summer home, building it on weekends was his enjoyment. Frank also enjoyed using his mechanical skills to fix cars.

Frank loved music of all kinds. You never knew what type of music he would be playing - Big Bands, Italian, Opera, Beyonce, Madonna, or Rod Steward just to name a few. His love of the trumpet followed him from his early school days to his adult life and he would often practice on the back porch. He loved movies and spent his retirement at the local movie theaters twice a week until he became housebound.

Frank always dreamed of building a cannon, which he did in his spare time. He researched various cannon models and finally selected a model with the likeness he explained as ‘the exuberance of a “Pirate Ship” cannon.’ He built his cannon one-third the size of the model chosen and used scrapped metal for the barrel, a fence post for the cannon ball, wood for the chassis and a discarded hand truck for the wheels. Frank took great pride in his cannon.

After Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he lived for many years with the support of his family on his own. His children, son-in-law Bob and grandchildren Heather and Jennifer, were always there on a moment’s notice to help or just to enjoy his company. He enjoyed nothing more than a glass of wine, good meal, a stereo blasting, and his family.

When Frank’s Parkinson’s progressed, he selflessly decided to move to the NY State Veterans Home at Montrose. Frank received excellent care there for his final five years. He loved the interactions with everyone and especially the weekly entertainment that they had Pre-Covid. His family, especially his daughters also enjoyed the entertainment and special events at the facility. His family would like to thank the entire staff at the New York State Veterans Home at Montrose for making their father’s final years so special. They are a dedicated and supportive group. The family would especially like to thank his CNA Chrissy who took excellent care of him for most of that time and forged a special bond with him. She is considered part of the family. They would also like to thank CNA Jackie and nurses Debbie and Lisa for all they did.

Frank will be missed by many and is survived by his two daughters Francine Salerno Cieslinski (Robert) and Rosina Salerno. He was grandfather of four to Heather Crognale (Dante), Jennifer Cherry (Chris), Michele Rios (Rolando) and Elizabeth Salerno. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Frank was predeceased by his wife Carmella Salerno, his son Michael F. Salerno, his parents Frank Salerno Sr. and Rose Tocco Amicucci and his brothers Mickey Salerno and Joseph Salerno.

Visitation for Frank will be held Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703. A mass of Christian burial will occur Monday, February 7, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Christ the King RC Church, 740 N. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. An interment will follow the mass at St. Mary's Cemetery, 114 Sprain Road, Yonkers, NY 10710. We respectfully request that all attendees wear masks at the funeral home and church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/) OR

The New York Veterans Home at Montrose, Recreation Department, 2090 Albany Post Road, Montrose, New York 10548-1454 – Please indicate recreation department in the memo field on check.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whalenandballfh.com for the Salerno family.