John C. Salamone Sr., 91, beloved husband of Eleanor (Pambianchi) Salamone, of Enfield, died Tuesday (July 14, 2015) at his residence surrounded by his family. Born in Enfield on March 6, 1924, son of the late Charles and Lillian (Todaro) Salamone, he was a lifelong resident. He was raised in Enfield and attended Enfield schools, graduating in 1942. He was inducted in 1943 with the U.S. Army Air Force and served in the European Theater of Operations with the 9th Air Force, 437th Troop Carrier Group, 83rd Squadron in England and France. Among his awards, he received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with seven battle stars and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharge in 1945 and enrolled in Ithaca College in New York graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music. He taught music for 35 years in the Enfield Public School System in Enfield. He and his brother, Bill operated the Pearl Barber Shop in Enfield. He loved to teach, repair instruments, tutoring and would march with his band on Memorial day. He was a member of VFW, Enfield, a Justice of the Peace, a Notary Public and Thieves and Robbers Society and member of the Rinadli Post, Enfield. In addition to his wife of 61 years, Eleanor, he leaves three children, Maria VanNostrand and her husband Robert, John Salamone Jr., of Enfield and daughter-in-law Josephine Salamone of East Longmeadow, MA and Charles E. Salamone and his fiancé Christine Allevo all of Enfield; four grandchildren, Michelle and Nicole Salamone and Jessica and Robert VanNostrand; a sister Frances Reale and her husband Alfonzo, and nephews Roy, Carlo and Enzo. He was predeceased by two brothers, William and Gasper Salamone. A special thank you to his care givers, Beatrice and Christine for all their love and care during his illness.
Family and friends gathered on Saturday, July 18 at 9 a.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, followed by a Mass of a Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 64 Pearl Street, Enfield. Burial followed at St. Patrick King Street. His family received friends on Friday, July 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations made to St. Patrick Church, 64 Pearl Street, Enfield, CT 06082.