Giuseppe "Joe" Salamone

Giuseppe “Joe” Salamone, 92, of Rockford, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center surrounded by his family. Joe was born on September 12, 1932 in Aragona, Sicily, the son of Benny and Antonia (Crimi) Salamone. Despite a tough childhood after losing his mother at 4 years old, Joe developed a sense of compassion and generosity that lasted a lifetime. Due to trying times in Sicily, Joe went to England in search of better work opportunities. He worked hard making and stacking bricks to make ends meet. Once he had enough money saved, he returned to Sicily to marry the love of his life in 1956. He and his wife Francesca returned to England together, where they lived for 10 years. In 1966, they made the journey to New York via the Queen Mary, eventually settling with his family in Rockford. He was employed by Greenlee Brothers during the day, and at night, worked at Nelson Knitting Co. After years of hard work and sacrifice, he was able to open his first business, Joe’s Dariette. His work ethic and love for people led to the opening of Joe’s Bakery down the street. Joe would say his proudest achievement was his family. He was determined to ensure that his kids had a better childhood than he did, and had a way of using humor to brighten a dark day. He was fond of the memories he had working together with his wife and daughters to support the family businesses. Shortly after selling both businesses to retire, he quickly realized how much he loved being around others. He came out of retirement and worked alongside his wife again at Hilander for several years. He later worked weekends at Franchesco’s Ristorante as a greeter. Since his passing, many have shared about the impact that Joe had on their lives. Regardless of how you knew him, or for how long you knew him, he would tell you how much love and pride he had for his wife and family.

A special thank you to the 3rd floor North Tower nursing staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center for their compassion and care. We would also like to thank all of the family and friends that visited and spent time with him during his final days. We appreciate everyone’s unwavering love and support.

Survived by his wife Francesca; his children Antonietta Rosa Maria (Albert) Altamore, Maria (Tom) Strauss; his grandchildren, Agostino (Ashley) Altamore, Giuseppe (Lauren) Altamore, Michael, Victoria (fiancé Joe), and Joseph Strauss; his great grandchildren, Albert, Luca, and Alessia Altamore, Joanna and Austin Altamore; his siblings, Josephine “Pina” LaRosa, Carl (Rosa) Salamone, and Cristina Cimino; sisters-in-law, Filippa Salamone, Nina Salamone, Carmella Salamone, and Lina Vaccarello; brothers-in-law, Milanino Imbriano, Luigi (Nicolina) Vaccarello, Giovanni (Giovanna) Vaccarello; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Frank, Mike, Tom, Ross, and Phil Salamone; his sisters-in-law, Anna and Assunta Salamone, Angela Imbriano, Antonia (Domenico) Picarello, and Domenica (Antonino) Cimino; his brothers-in-law, Antonino LaRosa, Frank Cimino, Pietro and Giacomo Vaccarello.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel (1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL), and again from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the church prior to Mass. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (1010 Ferguson St., Rockford, IL) where Joe was a member. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens (8800 N Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, IL). Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.