Gerard D Salvato

Gerard (Jerry) D. Salvato passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at The Delaney at the Green in Florham Park. His 94 years of a full life is best characterized by his unconditional love, quiet nature, faith, and ability to lead by example.

Jerry was born on April 23, 1931 in Brooklyn to Rose (De Febio) and Jerry Salvato and raised in Queens. He then lived in Staten Island and was a parishioner of St. Charles Church. When he moved to Florham Park, NJ in 1971 he became a devoted parishioner of Holy Family Church, serving as an usher and contributing help in many ways. In later years, Jerry also volunteered in his community in a soup kitchen, with blood drives, the Red Cross, elections, and the annual Florham Park 4th of July festivities.

He started his career in the mailroom at Chubb & Son in 1948, but then was drafted in the Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he returned to Chubb & Son where he met and married the love of his life, Marie. He embarked on a long and distinguished career working his way up to be the National Subrogation Manager in the Claims Department and retiring in 1991.

While serving in the Army, Jerry’s basketball refereeing career began. Upon returning home, he refereed high school and college basketball games and became a lifetime member of IAABO Board 185. During his 60 year connection with basketball, he served as secretary, vice-president, and president, and also was involved with training of cadets in the CBOA program.

He was a dedicated baseball fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Mets and football fan of the New York Giants. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, cards, and board games with his family and friends and liked spending winter weeks in Cocoa Beach, FL. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, plays, and concerts.

Family was first and foremost in his life. He was devoted to “Hon” (Marie) for 69 years, and his family always knew they had his love and support. There are many gifts that Jerry gave to his family over the years – his integrity, work ethic, and living by the golden rule – that will live on through his legacy of a life well lived.

Jerry leaves only joyful memories to his adored wife of 69 years, Marie (Pasculli) Salvato, and children, Geraldine Harrington (Jim) of Succasunna, NJ, Marianne Orest (Vinny) of Milton, VT, and Christine Hogan (Pat) of Scotch Plains, NJ; his cherished grandchildren Dana Harrington, Julie Lopez (Adrian), Stacey Harrington (Dan), Nicole Jordan (Vidahl), Vincent Thomas Orest, Eric Hogan, Alexandra Orest (Zach), Jake Hogan, and Samantha Orest; his treasured great-grandchildren Emma and Dylan Lopez, who will be joined by a cousin soon. He is also survived by his brother Bob Salvato, his sister-in-law Lena Wall, and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Jerry was predeceased by his brother Rocco Salvato, his sister Ann (Babe) Catalano and her husband Ralph, his brother-in-law Leonard Pasculli and his wife Mildred, and his nephew Jerry Salvato.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Wednesday, September 17th from 4-8pm. Funeral mass on Thursday, September 18th at Holy Family Church in Florham Park at 11am. Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery and Mausoleum in East Hanover.

Donations can be made in Jerry’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Suncrest Hospice-Parsippany, NJ. See donation box below for details…