Alex Salerno, 76; Was MLB Umpire
Bill Schenley
FROM: The Utica Observer-Dispatch ~
Former Major League Umpire Alexander Joseph Salerno
died at the age of 76 on Sunday at St. Elizabeth's Medical
Center.
Salerno, also known as "Bobey," was a pitcher for Proctor
High School and attended Mohawk Valley Community
College.
Salerno continued his baseball career in the Boston Red Sox
minor league system with the Marion Indians and the
Kinston Bosox during the 1950s.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army and an injury sustained
during the Korean War ended his pitching career.
In 1955, Salerno became a New York State Trooper until
he entered Al Sommers Umpire School in Florida.
Salerno became an American League umpire in 1961 and
was the third base umpire when Roger Maris broke
Babe Ruth's single-season home run record in the regular-season
finale at Yankee Stadium.
Salerno also served as an umpire for the 1964 Major League
All-Star Game.
He served as an umpire through the 1968 season.
After his career in baseball, Salerno established a number of
restaurants in the Utica area.
Despite his success in the big leagues, Salerno continued to
maintain his ties to Utica. He appeared at a Proctor Alumni
group meeting last year to discuss his experience as a major
league umpire.
His friends in Utica remember him for his giving nature.
"He never turned anybody down," Dick Chancia, a longtime
friend of Salerno's, said. "People from Utica were always
asking him for tickets and autographs for major leaguers and he
always made it happen, even if it meant he had to buy the
tickets himself. He was very generous and would do anything for
a friend.
"He never forgot who he was or where he was from."
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Mr. Alexander J. "Bobey" Salerno of Utica
FROM: The Utica Observer-Dispatch ~
Mr. Alexander J. "Bobey" Salerno, 76, Utica's one and only
Major League Umpire, entered into rest Sunday, August 5,
2007, at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center with his loved ones
by his side.
Bobey was born Alexander Joseph Salerno, the son of the late
Anna Siciliano and Nicholas Salerno.
He was educated in local schools and attended MVCC,
majoring in Criminal Justice. Shortly thereafter, he was contracted
with the Boston Red Sox Organization as a professional pitcher.
He was drafted in the US Army and served faithfully during the
Korean Conflict.
In 1955 he became a NYS Trooper and worked for
Troop G. Troy, NY until entering Al Sommers Umpire School
in Florida, where he finished first in his class. It was then he
became a "Major League Umpire". During his tenure, he umpired
several historic games, including Roger Maris' record breaking
61st home run. Bobey was a pioneer in forming the Union for the
American League Umpires.
He retired from baseball and later enjoyed camaraderie with
his friends in his many local restaurants he established. Alex
married the former Joan Nole, and maintained a strong family
bond, and from that marriage, he leaves his beloved son and best
friend, Nicholas Salerno and his wife, Allison; three beloved
grandchildren, Alexandra, Alyssa, and Nicholas Salerno, all
residing in Sarasota, FL. He is survived by his loving companion,
Denise Rowlands; his beloved sister, Mrs. Marguerite Mirante;
and nephew, John Mirante; his loving aunt, Antoinette Salerno,
all of Utica; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Salerno, New Hartford.
Also surviving are nieces, Michelle, Lisa, Victoria Nole, and Mary
Jo Frattasio; and nephews, Michael, Louis, Johnny, and Dan Nole,
all of Utica and Florida; his extended family, Michael Mullen,
Sarasota, FL; Louie, Michael Joseph, and Mellisa Diana; and a
host of many friends too numerous to mention, "you know who
you all are". He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Salerno;
and his brother-in-law, Ronald Mirante.
Family and friends are invited to attend Alex's Celebration of
Life on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. (TODAY) at St.
Anthony of Padua Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will
be celebrated by Rev. Anthony P. La Fache, Pastor.
There are no calling hours. Arrangements under the guidance of
John L. Matt, Jr. Funeral Director-Francis W. Fisk Funeral
Home, Chadwicks, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may
be made to Baseball Assistant Team. Envelopes available at
the church.
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