Obituary of Mary Salerno

Mary Salerno, a lifelong Madison resident, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89.

Mary’s life was dedicated to three things: family, faith and service.

Mary was born in Morristown on September 7, 1930 to the late Anthony and Madeline Esposito. She was raised in Madison with her two sisters, who she remained especially close to for her entire life.

Mary was married to Jerry Salerno on February 11, 1950 and the couple settled in Madison where they raised their family. She was a woman of tremendous faith and was a lifelong parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison. Mary was a member of the Rosary Altar Society for many years and she was well versed on the majority of Catholic Saints. She always had a keen intuition as to which Saint to dedicate prayer and devotion to for specific problems, large or small, and was always willing to offer this loving advice to family and friends.

Mary cherished her family and was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was an excellent cook and talented baker, taking great pride in lovingly and thoughtfully ensuring the holidays were memorable for everyone in her family. Her family will cherish these beautiful memories forever.

Mary devoted her life’s work to selfless service towards others, specifically school children. For many years, she cooked and prepared lunches every day for students in the cafeterias of Delbarton, Whippany Park and Hanover Park High Schools. When she was not working in this capacity, she was a crossing guard for many years in Madison.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband, Jerry Salerno. She is survived by two daughters, Mary Geiser of Florham Park & Madeline Salerno of Madison; two sisters, Connie Perillo & Elizabeth Twillmann, both of Madison; one grandson, James Geiser and his wife, Erin of Madison; many nieces, nephews & dear friends.

Due to current limitations on public gatherings, visitation for Mary is being held for her family and very close friends from 9:30AM to 11:30AM on Friday, July 10, 2020 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 12:00PM, following the visitation, at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison. We kindly encourage you to attend via live-stream by visiting www.svmnj.org and viewing the Mass on the main webpage of the church beginning at 12:00PM. Interment will be held at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

Charitable contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to the Madison Ambulance Corps, 29 Prospect St, Madison, NJ 07940, please write: In Memory of Mary Salerno in the check memo.

For further information or notes of condolence to the family, please visit www.madisonmemorialhome.com