By the family

Oct. 2, 2024: Frank Emil Salerno passed away peacefully at his long-time home in Bronxville, New York, at the age of 93, with family by his side.  He is dearly missed.

We, his family, have been blessed with an exemplary pater familias.  He was our loving commander-in-chief who led by example, set the bar high, and taught us to see challenges as opportunities.  His exceptional intelligence, integrity, determination and adventurous spirit created a life of extraordinary personal and professional achievement that spanned the globe.

Frank wove his vast interests and wide-ranging experiences into our family life.  He transmitted his deep appreciation for culture and beauty and marveled at excellence in all things.  When traveling in Europe or Asia in the ‘70s, he delighted in lengthy detours to lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant, visit a friend, tour a customer’s factory, view a Renaissance masterpiece, enjoy a concert, and  be fitted for an “overnight suit” in Capri and Hong Kong.

Born in New Rochelle, New York, on June 3, 1930, Frank came of age during the Great Depression and World War II.  A first-generation first-born son of Ellis Island immigrant parents from Italy, he acquired his work ethic early by observing his father - an entrepreneurial master carpenter who held US Air Force commissions. 

During his youth, Frank worked as a golf caddie, a soda jerk, a newspaper delivery boy and a house painter.  His mother instilled a devotion to family and faith, and cultivated his life-long epicurean taste.  Frank graduated top of his high-school class and was admitted to Columbia University enlisting in Navy ROTC with full scholarship, and joined its Governing Board.

At Columbia, Frank rowed crew, marched in the band, and served as the Sigma Chi fraternity’s Social Director.  It was serendipitous when his future wife, Irene, walked by his fraternity house; Frank knew immediately that they would marry.

After Columbia graduation in 1952, Frank served as a Lieutenant JG on the Navy Destroyer U.S.S. Brownson.  Deployed during the Korean War, Frank faced harrowing combat.  Yet the Navy also inspired profound patriotism and afforded him the opportunity to circumnavigate the globe.

In 1954 Frank joined The Chase Manhattan Bank Training Program and pursued an MBA at Columbia.  Frank and Irene soon married and moved to Rome where Frank led Chase Italy.  He was then appointed to direct Chase Europe from Milan, where, having been instrumental in designing it’s iconic building in Piazza Meda, he inaugurated the branch.  

Ahead of his time, Frank created a program of employment opportunities for promising graduates from the south of Italy.  In recognition of this and other services to the Government of Italy, Frank was appointed “Cavaliere della Repubblica”.

Following seven years in Milan, the family moved to Tokyo where Frank led Chase Asia for three years.  After an additional Chase assignment in Toronto, Frank developed Pfizer International Bank, leading to relocations to Puerto Rico and Ireland as President and CEO.

With their spirit of adventure, Frank and Irene respectfully navigated the cultures where they lived, and traveled far beyond those borders throughout the world.  They hosted scores of dignitaries, diplomats, artists and religious and business leaders.  Frank’s charisma, wit, and kind heart made him excellent company and allowed him to keep friendships despite many global relocations.

After working abroad for nearly three decades, Frank and Irene returned to live in Bronxville - in a house that he and his father had admired and aspired to make a home. 

Above all, Frank devoted himself to our family’s well-being; cherishing his marriage, children and grandchildren.  Reflecting with gratitude on his loving family, his longstanding friendships, and his remarkable accomplishments, Frank modestly called himself “lucky”.  We know that we are the lucky ones.

In recognition of the many opportunities he enjoyed, Frank was a generous benefactor of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Archdiocese of New York, The Bronxville Library, The American Academy in Rome, The American Academy in Berlin, The Ellis Island Foundation, and local organizations.

Frank sadly lost his adored and loving wife of 66 years, Irene Paula von Jelen Salerno, one year earlier.  He was also predeceased by his sister, Mary Janet Salerno Bellanca (Peter) of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Frank is survived by his daughter, Monica Salerno Corsi (Stefano) of New York City, London and Rome; daughter, Susan Salerno of Bronxville; son, Steven Salerno of New York City; and grandchildren, Cosima Corsi and Tassilo Corsi of New York City, London and Rome; his sister, Diana Salerno Bellanca (James Jr.) of Grosse Pointe, Michigan; and family in Michigan, California, Italy and Argentina.

Gifts may be made to the Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola of New York City in his name (ignatius.nyc), where a private family Funeral Mass was celebrated on April 29, 2024.