STEPHEN JAMES SALATTI

Stephen James Salatti, 79, of Mexico, NY passed away peacefully at his home on September 8, 2024 after enduring a brave fight against Glioblastoma. Steve was born on May 6, 1945, to Lewis J. and Ida M. (Bresadola) Salatti in Syracuse, NY. Surviving are his beloved wife of 16 years, E. Lynn (Hutton) of Mexico, NY; two daughters, Erin Lynn of Mexico, NY, and Beth Anne (Ryan Barbeau) of Syracuse, NY; stepchildren, Dawn Caroline (Michael Odrzywolski) of Buffalo, NY, and Benjamin Robert Boyle of Denver, CO; grandchildren, Louis, Charles and Eleanor Barbeau, and step grandchildren, Evalyn, Thomas and Cecilia Odrzywolski,; his sister, Bonnie J. Salatti of Denver, CO and many cherished relatives and friends. He received an A.A.S in Forestry (1965) from Paul Smith’s College and then received his B.S. in Fisheries Management (1967) at Utah State College. Following graduation, Steve was accepted to Officer Candidate School and proudly joined the U.S. Navy as an officer attaining Captain rank (5 years active and 20 years reserve) before retiring in 1992. He was employed as Territory Sales Manager and District Sales Trainer for Bristol-Meyers Squibb where he worked for 33 years and retired at age 60 (2005). A strong advocate for passenger rail and a frequent traveler, Steve was past president of the Empire State Passenger Association for 8 years following its founding. He also served as a member, and eventual Board Member and Secretary for Rail Passengers Association (formerly National Association of Rail Passengers) for which he received the John “Jack” R. Martin Passenger Train Advocacy Award in recognition of his 40 years of commitment and dedication to the improvement and expansion of rail passenger service. Steve served for 4 years on the Planning Board for the Town of Mexico, NY, and supported his community as President to the Parish Council of St. Anne, Mother of Mary Catholic Church. He also provided mentoring to scholarship students of Father Chaplin’s Guardian Angel Society. Steve leaves behind a legacy of love for family, friends, country and God. Nothing made him happier than to share meticulously prepared Italian dishes with many bottles of wine and a big serving of laughter and raucous conversations. Steve is remembered for sharing the bounty of his lovingly tended vegetable garden, his fondness for good wine, garlic and olive oil, his quick wit, and his deep emotions that endeared him to so many. He loved Frank Sinatra, big band music and musicals. Steve traveled to many countries in his lifetime, but none captured his heart quite like Italy, the homeland of his ancestors, where he journeyed extensively both before and after retirement. Throughout his naval career, he exemplified honor, courage, and commitment, demonstrating clear and accountable leadership to ensure mission readiness and success. Those who experienced this side of Steve—whether through work, worship, or shared meals and wines—will cherish and appreciate the lasting memories he helped create. Steve embraced and treasured life to its fullest, ever observant, curious and grateful. The world will deeply feel the absence of its greatest admirer. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday September 13, 2024 at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, 2601 Milton Ave, Solvay, NY 13209. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday September 14 at 10:00 am at St. Anne Mother of Mary Catholic Church, 3352 Main St., Mexico, NY. Private Burial will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gray for Glioblastoma Attn: Katherine Snedeker, 7272 Wisconsin Ave, Fl.9, Bethesda, MD 20814 or St. Anne Mother of Mary Catholic Church and would be deeply appreciated. Please share online memories and tributes at www.bagozzitwins.com.

STEPHEN JAMES SALATTI

May 6, 1945 - September 8, 2024