Eric Michael Salerno, Sr., age 52, of Clarks Summit, passed away peacefully Thursday evening while an inpatient at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore surrounded by his loving family after a courageous five-year battle with Cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Alisa (Lisa) Brozzetti Salerno. The couple celebrated 31 years of marriage on September 6th.
Born in Taylor on March 9, 1965, and raised in Old Forge, Eric was the son of the late Vincent and Agnes Kalson Salerno Pace. A graduate of Old Forge High school, Class of 1983, he went on to graduate from Johnson College as a biomedical technician. He was employed from 1986-1990 at the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. After returning to the area and learning the plumbing trade from his father-in-law, Eric would go on to become a registered master plumber and establish his own successful business. In his last two years of business he was voted the distinction of “Best Plumber” in the Abington Suburban by his loyal customers.
Eric was meticulous in everything he did, from his craftsmanship in building models to his pristine care of his “muscle cars.” He also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, and attending car shows with his son Eric where they won several trophies for their Ford Mustangs. He was a member of many local clubs such as the Northeast Pennsylvania Rocket Association (NEPRA) and Master Plumber’s Association where he assisted the local chapter of Make a Wish Foundation for many years. He loved his Italian heritage and took great pride in hand making raviolis, pizzelles and homemade wine. His favorite was making soppressata with his son, son-in-law and close friends. Often quoted saying “If you’re going to do it, do it right.”, and he certainly did.
He belonged to Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Clarks Summit, to which he proudly provided his plumbing services. His wife Lisa and their three children were his greatest joy. The support of his siblings, family, and countless friends with their never-ending support gave him inspiration to fight. Loved by all who knew him, he will be forever missed.
He is also survived by his three children who meant the world to him: Amanda Carol McCarthy and husband Colin of Warrington, Pa; Eric Michael Salerno, Jr., and Carina Danielle Salerno both at home; six siblings, Amy Lawless and husband Paul of Old Forge, Vince Salerno and wife Angel of Old Forge, Daniel Salerno and wife Wendy of Taylor, Kevin Salerno and wife Alcione of Scranton, Christopher Salerno of Taylor, and Stephen Salerno and wife Sheila of Old Forge; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Joseph Pace; father and mother in-law, Gino and Carolyn Brozzetti.
His family would like to express their extreme gratitude first and foremost to the nursing staff of Hematology & Oncology Associates of Northeastern Pennsylvania and also Dr. Padmaja Bojnapally for her exceptional care and compassion to Eric throughout his lengthy battle. The family would also like to thank Drs. Borghaei and King of Fox Chase Cancer Center. The family will be forever grateful.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Monday at 8:30AM from the
Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Snows Church, 301 South State Street in Clarks Summit, to be celebrated by Msgr. Joseph Quinn, Pastor. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Old Forge.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Sunday between 2:00-5:00PM at the funeral home.
With great gratitude for their care, the family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Eric’s name to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Memorial Fund, c/o 600 Baltimore Drive, # 7, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., 18702. Please visit the funeral home’s website for directions or to leave an online condolence.
