Mary R. Salerno

Mary (Maria) Rosa Salerno, age 96 of Roselle Park, NJ, passed away on May 6, 2026, after a long life filled with God’s richest blessings. Born on September 28, 1929, in Newark, NJ to Clemente Restaino and Maria (Basile) Restaino. Mary was the youngest of 15 children, a twin to her brother Carmen, and lovingly named after her mother as the youngest girl. Amazingly, she and her brother Carmen were the 4th set of twins in the family.

She completed her sophomore year at East Side High School in Newark, NJ and went to work to help support the family on the family farm after school and every summer. She worked hard her entire life, and anyone who knew her knows how much of a giver she was, how deeply she loved, and how she welcomed into her home and family with open arms all who needed her.

On September 29, 1951, she married the love of her life, Tony Salerno, having met on a blind date. They started their family two years later, celebrating the birth of their first of seven children, Phil, followed by the birth of Donna, Anthony, the twins--John and Clem, Rosemarie, and Michele. Mary raised her family in Newark before the family relocated to Irvington and then finally to Roselle Park, NJ.

After raising her family, she went back to work at PSE&G, where she retired after 20 years of service. She became a widow at the age of 51 and soon after became a believer in Jesus as her savior. She met Alma Fryer at church, who became her lifelong friend, and they were fondly known as “frick and frack.” She enjoyed traveling, especially to visit her youngest daughter, Michele, spending time with her family, and going out to eat with friends and family. For as long as she was able, she had fun playing ball, puzzles, and games with her grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was her daily practice of prayer over her entire family.

Mary is survived by her seven children: Phil (Dina), Donna, Anthony, John (Doreen), Clem (Connie), Rose (Eric), and Michele (Louis). Her ten grandchildren Mario, Rachel (Bob), Erin (Gerardo), Jonathan, Nicole (Aaron), Daniel (Michelle), Joel (Mackenzie), Melanie, Sam, and Anthony. Thirteen great grandchildren: Scarlett, Rowan, Arianna, Thea, Isabella, Giada, Noah, Malin, Adrian, Norah, David, Andrea, and Sadie. Her twin brother Carmen, and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Tony, grandson Philip, and her sisters and brothers.