Shrewsbury – Leonard A. Salerno, 95, of Shrewsbury, passed away Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, in the comfort of his life-long home, leaving his devoted wife of 65 years, Virginia M. (Leroy) Salerno.
Len is survived by his children, Merilyn Miller and her husband, Philip, of Shrewsbury, Leonard L. Salerno and his wife, Debra, of New Braunfels, Texas, Gary Salerno and his wife, Jane, of Holden, and Karen J. Kelsey and her husband, Steven, of Shrewsbury; five grandchildren, Wayne and Matthew Kallio, David Miller, and Allen and Ann Salerno; three great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers John and Leo and a sister, Lena Salerno.
Len was born in Worcester, the son of Italian immigrants, Bartolo and Josephine (Loconsolo) Salerno. The only time he lived away from his beloved Shrewsbury was while he served his nation proudly in the United States Army during World War II, serving in Normandy, Northern France, The Rhineland, and Central Europe.
He was the owner and president of Leroy and Co., Inc., a scrap metal dealership in Worcester. He joined his father-in-law at the company in 1953, retiring in 2011.
Len was active in Shrewsbury Kiwanis Club, where he served for many years as secretary and treasurer. He also supported and was a member of the Board of Directors for Camp Putnam, in New Braintree.
For many years, Len and Virginia shared good times with family and friends at their lakeside home in New Hampshire. Together, they traveled often, visiting Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Alaska, Mexico, and more. He was an avid ballroom dancer and engaged in lessons and friendly competitions. At home, he loved building, woodworking, landscaping and tending his yard and gardens. He also was fond of the many family pets, especially his faithful husky.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m., preceded by an hour of visitation from 10-11 a.m. at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Camp Putnam, 141 Rutherford Rd., New Braintree, MA 01531 or by visiting www.campputnam.org.
