Obituary: Joseph L. Salatto, 76, of Madison

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

Joseph L. Salatto, 76, of Madison, son of the late Joseph and Gloria Salatto, entered into eternal peace on Monday evening in the arms of his loving wife Maryann and surrounded by his family.

Joe grew up in the Hill Section of New Haven where his sense of community and family was fostered; the lessons of hard work, loyalty and personal responsibility were learned. Joseph was the oldest of 5 boys, born February 28, 1944, when his Dad was away in WWII, this family history was something Joe was very proud of. Joe was a proud and dedicated alumnus of Notre Dame High School, graduate of Class of 1962 and a Knights of Honor Inductee.

Joe began chasing his American dream in 1964 when he convinced Budget Rent a Car to allow him to start a franchise which gave him an opportunity to work alongside his Dad and eventually his brothers. Joe loved the people and the hard work needed to build something he could be proud of. He loved that he could incorporate his brothers into his dream. He used his business to build relationships and to honor relationships.

He believed in New Haven and always wanted to help make it better. Through Salatto Real Estate and positive support for causes that would improve New Haven, Joe was respected as a Friend of the Elm City. His vision to foster development on George and High streets and eventually to refurbish 129 Church Street were labors of love.

Joe was proud of his Italian American heritage, and the Irish roots from his Mom.

He valued community service and dedicated time and love to the Knights of Columbus, the Exchange Club of Madison and the APT Foundation to name only a few.

Joe was the husband, teenage soulmate and best friend of his wife of 56 years, Maryann (Signor). Together they took risks and through love and trust in each other they were able to build two thriving businesses with an extended “family” of relationships, improve the economic stability of their families and make a home in Madison. Joe lived his life fully immersed in the joy of his family.

They moved to Madison in 1969, the “kids” from New Haven purchasing their first home, and there they became active, positive people in the community including being key contributors in the start to Madison Youth Football. Joe coached flag football and his lifetime of role modeling for Madison youth was born. He is known around Madison and New Haven for his gentle kindness, his integrity and his ready willingness to help anyone in need. Faith and family were priorities for Joe and spending time at the Surf Club, in Rhode Island and at his favorite family hide away, the A-frame, in Vermont were his favorites.

Besides his Wife, Maryann, Joe leaves behind his four children and their families: Joseph Salatto Jr. and Angela Cassata, Susan & Stewart Leckey, Lori & Joe Nuzzo and Lisa & Jeff Hilton. Twelve grandchildren: Sarah and Anthony Yagavone, Lindsey Salatto and Billy Raw, Samantha Salatto: Hannah, Bryce, Taylor, Stone and Campbell Leckey: Emma and Joey Nuzzo: Mackenzie and Ryan Hilton: And two great grandchildren: Josie Yagavone and Billy Raw. Joe leaves behind two brothers: James and Paul Salatto. And two brothers in law; Robert (Debra) and Richard (Marilyn) Signor and many other family and friends he valued. Joe was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws Charlotte and Louis Signor and his two brothers: Robert and Thomas Salatto.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made. Joe lived thirty-five plus years with Parkinson Disease and would love to see new advances made in the care and continuance of normal life for those diagnosed with the life altering disease. Donations may be made to the local Parkinson Disease Foundation (APDA), the Madison Ambulance Association, the Neuroscience Center at Yale New Haven Hospital, or a charity of your choosing. Paying it forward was an important value of Joe’s.