Anthony Michael Saladino, affectionately known as “Sal,” of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on Sunday evening, September 9th, 2018, at the age of 62. He passed away far too soon and will be tremendously missed by friends and family.
Sal was many things to many people, including a veteran, logistics specialist, brother, father, grand-father, son, and husband. He was born to Frank and Dolores (DiFeo) Saladino on September 20th, 1955 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Frankfurt High School prior to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Sal was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm having dedicated 21 years to the Marines, and retiring as Master Sergeant. He received numerous awards and commendations for his years of service and bravery. He was immensely proud to be a veteran and loved his country.
After retiring from the Marines, Sal continued to serve his country through the Department of Defense. For five years, he was the Marine Liaison at Redstone Arsenal for all USMC programs managed by AMCOM. He then went to serve as the Division Manager for the Precision Fires Rocket and Missile Systems Project Office managing the fielding of the entire US Army fleet with rocket and missile systems. Sal retired in November, 2017 as a Logistics Management Specialist having contributed many years to fielding and managing major weapon systems. Similar to his military service, Sal received numerous awards and commendations for his work, specifically the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service. He was “the go-to technical expert on operator and maintainer tasks.”
Sal was a graduate of Athens State University with degrees in Missile & Munitions Tech, General Education, and Business Management of Technology – all Magna Cum Laude. He graduated from Aspen University with a Master in Business Administration. He took a litany of Defense Acquisition University courses in addition to teaching many warfare classes to civilians and military alike. He also read extensively on the topics of warfare, politics, and policy.
Outside of his career, Sal had a number of interests and lived a full life. He was an avid Alabama football fan and attended most home games. He enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Eagles, and was ecstatic when they won the 2017 Super Bowl. Sal was also a Philadelphia Phillies fan having witnessed (on television) the 2008 World Series championship. He enjoyed travelling, photography, good conversation, and playing with his two toy poodles Cajun and Jazz. Sal was commissioned both as a Kentucky Colonel and Alabama Colonel. He also played baseball for the minor league team the Redding Phillies and softball for the Marine Corps. Sal also beat Germany while on the Marine Corps volleyball team.
Sal loved many things, but his family was his shining light. He married his soulmate, Kathy Ayers Saladino, on July 20, 1997. Their unconditional love will continue, especially as Kathy carries the memories of Sal. Sal loved and was extremely proud of his two children – Nicole Lynn Miller (Steve) and William Michael Hill-Saladino (Mae). He was a loyal brother to three – Frank Saladino (Tootsie), Pasquale Saladino (Bernie), and Joseph Saladino (deceased). He was a caring grandfather to five – Hannah Dull, Kaitlyn Saladino-Miller, Marissa Miller, Dylan Miller, and Gina Denise Saladino. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Alice Pickrell, brother-in-law, Larry Ayers, sister-in-law, Karen Ayers, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a friend to many and will be missed by all who knew him. Sal was predeceased by his mother Delores, father Frank, and brother Joseph.
Visitation will be at Spry Funeral Home on Friday, September 14th, 2018 from 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with a graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated, but donations are welcome to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust.
