Salafia, Joseph "Jake"
Joseph "Jake" Salafia, husband of Shirley (Stevens) Salafia, and son of the late Joseph and Carmelina (Carta) Salafia, passed away on January 5, 2021. Jake was predeceased by his brother, Sebastian and Salvatore and by sisters, Lucy Rustic and Josephine Heath. Jake grew up in the Hillside Avenue neighborhood in Middletown. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1947, where he had been captain of the track team and co-captain of the 1946 State Championship Football Team. Jake was drafted in to the Army in 1950 and served with the 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. Jake returned to Connecticut and received his Bachelors of Science in History from Central CT State University. While at CCSU, Jake earned letters in football and track. Jake began teaching in 1956 and began coaching cross country in 1958. Jake became the Cromwell High School (CHS) head basketball coach in 1962, the same year he received his Master's Degree from Springfield College. Jake coached basketball for 25 years, compiling a 445-118 record. Jake's basketball teams won seven State Championships, five of which were consecutive years. Jake's basketball teams made it to the State Finals eleven times. Jake's 1970-71 basketball, track and cross country teams each won the Class S State Championship. Jake's cross country teams won seven State Championships. Jake also coached tennis for four years and volleyball for three years. Jake was the Athletic Director at CHS for 20 years and was a co-director of the Fundamental Basketball Camp for 25 years. Jake has received many athletic awards: Connecticut Sports Writers Gold Key Award 2004-2005, Central Connecticut Alumni Association Hall of Fame 2000, New Haven Register Award for the first coach to win five consecutive CT Basketball Championships. He has also been inducted in the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame, the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame and the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame. The ultimate award was having the new Cromwell High School Gymnasium dedicated in his name. Jake also enjoyed spending time at Lake Ossipee, skiing, playing tennis, swimming, gardening, and reading to his grandchildren. Most of all, Jake enjoyed spending time with his family. Jake is survived by his wife, Shirley, daughter, Linda Werner-Gerner and her husband Eric Gerner and their children, Alicia, Alec, Olivia, Grace and Luke; son, Joe; son, Steve and his wife Trisha, and their children, Isaiah, Cali and Cheyenne; daughter, Lisa and her husband Michael White and their daughter, Faye; brother, Albert Salafia and his wife, Doreen; also, many nieces and nephews. Graveside services with military honors, will be held Friday (Jan. 8th) at 11 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, Bow Lane, Middletown. There are no calling hours. A Celebration of his Life will be held at a future date. Those who wish may send memorial donations to Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.

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Published by Middletown Press from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Salafia

Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.

53 Entries

Dennis Manchester

January 19, 2021

Susan and I were very saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Salafia. He was my coach for many years, a valuable mentor and a true friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our condolences to his family.

Teresa Opalacz

January 18, 2021

One of the most patient kind hearted man I have ever met. I listened to his words with reverence as he was always correct. This legend will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Cherish the memories as they are perfect.

Walt Ciplinski

January 15, 2021

We taught at Cromwell High School for many years. Being a small town and small school, the staff came to know each other as a form of extended family including some of the children. Staff social get-togethers were more common then and allowed for closer relationships. Especially memorable were the heady sports days of the late 60s and early 70s. Jake and his student teams created a buzz and a following. I recall that Pete Cole would provide a school bus for fans and staff to attend tournament games. In more recent years during retiree lunches at Baci Grille, we shared conversations about the 'olden days' at CHS, the grand kids, and trying to stay in shape (Jake with swimming at the Y in Middletown). He accepted life's challenges with health issues and lost friends gracefully. Jake always spoke directly and clearly. He was always good company. That his life provided many wonderful things for his family, friends, and many students to look back on is a comforting blessing to those who remain.

Maria Buatti

January 13, 2021

Dear Shirley and family,
I am so sorry to hear that Jake has passed. Throughout my lifetime Jake was a presence because of his close friendship with my brother "Moe" and their friend "Marv." (Thanks for mentioning Hillside Ave - it brings back such warm memories. ) Growing up the three boys were inseparable, and kept their friendship over their lifetimes. More recently I saw Jake at the Y and at Russell Library events. Even though I was a little sister Jake always remembered me - he was such a kind and friendly, and funny guy. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ria Annino

Marie Passanisi-McDonald

January 12, 2021

Dear Shirley and family. I was saddened to hear in Jake's passing. Everyone who knew Jake loved him. What a fine man. Always with a friendly smile and hello. I will keep Jake and all the family in my prayers.

Tom Seidl

January 11, 2021

Most coaches certainly don't coach for the money. They do it for the love of kids, the sport, and competition. It is immeasurable the amount of positive influence Jake had on the kids of Cromwell coaching multiple sports. I remember fondly the days at the old Cromwell High School with fans pouring out of the gym into the hallways to get a glimpse of the games. Jake will never be forgotten in the town of Cromwell, and will always have a place in state history. Rest in peace Coach.

Jeannine Janicke Sweet

January 11, 2021

Mr. Salafia was one of my 6th grade teachers and we all got invited to his wedding to the now Mrs. Salafia! It was the first wedding I had ever attended and I felt so honored! What a great couple and I am so glad they had so many years together! He was also a great teacher! We all loved him! I have fond memories of Cromwell always winning at basketball under his guidance when I was in high school - he was a great coach and all the players loved him! We were all proud Panthers when we won all those championships! RIP Mr. Salafia you had quite a legacy.

Pat Callahan

January 11, 2021

Coach. Just your presence was motivation enough for me. I felt you were really proud of our team. Thank you for being my coach. Class of 1965 cross country team.

Al Holowesko

January 10, 2021

I am deeply indebted to Coach Jake Salafia. He was my best coach (1964), best mentor (70's), and best role-model and father-figure in my lifetime! I fortunately was able to learn from the best. I modeled my career in athletics and teaching after him. Al Holowesko - (Retired Cromwell Middle School A.D. and Coach 1970-2005). My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family.

Mary Jo Corvo-Angus

January 9, 2021

A true Teacher, a gentlemen and one nice man. Thank you coach. You were cherished.

Laurie Cantwell

January 9, 2021

We will miss seeing Jake walking around the neighborhood with his wave and smile! We will also miss seeing him at 11:30 Sunday Mass at St. John's faithfully! We are so sad for the entire Salafia family. He lived an amazing life, and has earned his time in Heaven now. We will keep Shirley and the entire family in our prayers!
Ernie, Laurie and Benjamin Cantwell

Anne Depew

January 9, 2021

Dear Mrs. Salafia, Steve, Lisa, Linda and Joe,
I am very sorry to read this. My mother, siblings and I send our deepest sympathy to your family. Mr. Salafia was always so kind and such a lovely fixture in my memories of summer. I will miss him.
Anne Depew

Bob Leghorn

January 9, 2021

Coach Salafia was such a wonderful guide and mentor for so many of us at Cromwell High School. His legacy of all those basketball and cross country state championships speak volumes about his ability to motivate high school boys to work harder than they thought they could, to become better than they thought they could, to forge a team that was better than the sum of the parts. His influence continues in all of us who were so fortunate to have his guidance in those formative years. God bless you Coach.

Betty Diehl and Family

January 9, 2021

My Family and I are saddened by Jake’s passing. We have great memories of him when we were Neighbors in Westfield. Our condolences to you Shirley and your Family. May his memory live on. God Bless with Love.

Shelley and Nell Randazzo

January 9, 2021

We are so sorry about Jake’s death. I’m sure he will be missed by all his family.

Len Messina

January 9, 2021

I was on a Halloween trek in my Hillside Ave. neighborhood when a tall, slender, man who lived in a brick house gave me some candy. I saw him at least once a year until I outgrew that holiday. He was always a nice guy, kind of quiet but friendly. ...The years went by and I became active in sports. I never was on one of Jake's teams but he always seemed unchanged. He would give me a head nod and a small smile when we did run into each other. More years went by and I ended up teaching and coaching in Middletown. Once in a while our teams would play each other. It was always nice seeing him, constant through time, helping the next generation of athletes. He always tossed me that head nod too. I guess the Lord needed a legs coach because this world could use more men like Jake Salafia...

David Kozlovich

January 8, 2021

Uncle Joe, you're the "best Uncle I could have. Say, "Hi" to Daddy and Uncle Ben. Rest in Peace, Uncle Joe.

Nancy &Tony Amenta

January 8, 2021

Dear Shirley and Family,
Jake was and still is so many things to sooo many people, Husband, Dad, Granddad, Coach, Confidant, Friend and most importantly all around Great Guy! He was so amazingly humble! We will miss you
Tony and Nancy Amenta

Dean Fredericks

January 8, 2021

Our deepest condolences to the entire Salafia family.
From the days at Fundamental Camp on the court in the middle of the night , to the days we met on the court, with Wally screaming at us to play "d" against your great teams in Cromwell.
You and Coach Camp can go back at it now!

RIP Coach
Thanks for the memories

John and Reggie Civitello

January 8, 2021

Dear Shirley, Linda, Joe, Steve and Lisa,
We are so saddened by the news of Jake’ s death. We have so many great memories of him and your family. He was truly a remarkable man- kind, genuine, always encouraging and always with a bit of a smile. There is no doubt that he was a legend in the sports community but much more so in the every day community of life. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.Know that you are all in our prayers.
Love you. John and Reggie

Sandy Denz-Wade

January 8, 2021

The Breakfast Club has convened, change of location , same cast of characters
John Denz, Emil Loza, Fran Monnes and Jake Salafia ! Four amazing friends , teachers , mentors and just good guys ! You all are missed dearly ! Rest In Peace Jake , back with your buddies

Jack Bradley

January 8, 2021

Lots of great memories. In addition to basketball, who remembers that he was once a police officer or auxiliary police officer for Middletown? I remember him helping people cross Main Street in front of Wrubel's on Saturdays. In those days, teachers always needed additional part time employment. He was a force and will always be remembered.

john young

January 8, 2021

I was saddened to hear of the passing of "Coach: Jake Salafia, an Icon in the Town of Cromwell and beyond. I would usually see him at weekend Mass at St. John and we would always stop and have a short chat before leaving. Coach`s Obituary says it all, the many great accomplishments he achieved in his long life, especially in Sports. Every victory and every award Coach Salafia received were richly deserved.
I know Coach Jake Salafia is now in heaven, where he is probably planning game stratagies with his good friend and fellow Coach Fran Monnes.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Salafia Family, may Coach Jake Salafia`s Soul rest in God`s eternal peace! He will be missed!
Sincerely, with Love and Peace,
John A. Young
Cromwell

George Haché

January 8, 2021

A wonderful teacher, coach, mentor, leader who passed on his best attribute to so many. He was one of the finer gifts acquired when I attended CHS.

John Sweeney.

January 7, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dave Adams

January 7, 2021

Coach Salafia was a pleasure to around. He took his crop of talent and made them better than the sum of their parts. He earned everyone’s respect and he taught his students and his athletes to respect each other and the integrity of the sport they participated in. You always wanted to give Jake your best effort. That’s all he ever asked for. He was a wonderful coach and mentor.

John Zubeckis

January 7, 2021

I have so many great memories of being with Steve and Joe in my high school years and getting to know Jake. We had so many great times in New Hampshire, driving up with Jake in the big old white station wagon, skiing in the winter, swimming and boating all summer. Jake was a kind and caring soul that seemed to cherish every minute with the family. I am sad to here of his passing, but feel very fortunate for the time that I was around him. There is no doubt, he is an incredible legend.

Nina Emelianoff

January 7, 2021

It is with great sadness that I heard of Jake's passing. I always enjoyed seeing the two of you walking every Summer day on our road. We miss you. My deepest sympathy to you Shirley and your entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Fred Curtin

January 7, 2021

My condolences to the Salafia family. Jake was my PE teacher at Cromwell High. He was great coach. I remember going to the home basket ball games. When Jake and the team won multiple State Champions ships, the Fire Department would met the busses at the town line and escort them around town.

Robert Treat

January 7, 2021

To Shirley, Linda, Lisa, Steve, Joe and the Salafia family,

We share your loss. Jake was my friend for over 60 years and his exceptional success as a teacher and coach was exceeded only by the person he was. Jake was compassionate, caring and respected everyone he knew. He lived his life as an example to all of us.
The world has lost a wonderful person and I have lost a valued friend.
We share your sorrow and pray that he is at peace.
God Bless Jake and your entire family,
Shirley I loved him too.
Stay strong,
Love,
Jeanette & Bob Treat

Sebastian Amenta

January 7, 2021

Jake was my gym teacher and my coach. I respected him tremendously and always will remember the goodness of sports he taught me. It made me a better person and kept me level headed and strong along with my family values. After school I took every advantage to be sit with Jake at sports or family events to talk and laugh. He had a great sense of humor. Jake made Cromwell special. I’ll miss my coach but have many memories to keep.

Terry Orourke

January 7, 2021

Great man sorry for your loss

Patrick and Judi Collet

January 7, 2021

My wife and I were so saddened to hear of Jake's passing. Jake had a tremendous impact on Cromwell sports. I fondly remember many bright moments in his career. He took a chance on a very young teacher and brought me onto the coaching staff. Jake was a a fantastic role model and mentor. In addition to our coaching connection, Jake and I shared many a laugh as colleagues at CHS. Jake was a dedicated family man. We lost a great one. He will be truly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Salafia family.

Nick Carroll

January 7, 2021

Jake was such a positive influence in my life. Not only was he my teacher and coach, he was my friend and he pretty much taught me all I know about the game of basketball. Rest in peace Coach. You'll be forever missed.

Bob Gunning

January 7, 2021

Jake will always be remembered by IAABO officials as a true gentleman. He might not have always agreed with every call, but he was respectful in his disagreement and never allowed players to even question a call.
When you got an assignment to ref one of his games, you knew it would be a good game.
I’m sure he proud of his son's officiating career.
Rest In Peace good friend.

George Coyle

January 7, 2021

Jake was huge in all of our lives; we'll miss him. The Coyle Family

Dave Dlugolenski

January 7, 2021

Coach Salafia was truly an exceptional coach, leader, mentor, and most of all a second father to every one who played for him. He will be missed

Dave Dlugolenski

Beverly Towns

January 7, 2021

To Shirley and family The Salafia and the Towns family were friends from the time of early coaching days. Jake and Al arre now coaching again together . God give you peace and be with you at this time and always LOVE BEVERLY

peter amenta

January 7, 2021

I am deeply saddened by the recent passing of our head coach, Jake Salafia. We all know about Jake’s legendary career and championships in multiple sports while coaching at Cromwell High School. They were terrific times with packed gyms and great wins, of which he often spoke of fondly. It was wonderful and appropriate that the high school recognized his accomplishments with the naming of the gym after Jake. However, I think the best illustration of his influence on those of us who played for him was that he never stopped being our head coach, even years after we graduated from Cromwell High School. Though we were no longer playing basketball, he remained a dear friend and a tremendous resource throughout our lives. This relationship didn’t just develop over our four short years at CHS, but it actually began well before our high school years. Something many may not know about Jake and his success as a coach was his commitment to us beginning early in our educational lives. I remember the first time I met him when I was around 10 years old. It was after a big Cromwell win and my father had opened the drugstore for the team to celebrate at the soda fountain. All of us remember Saturday mornings at Nathaniel White School, when Jake would bring together those of us from fifth through eighth grade to play basketball. This program and others certainly led to our development as players and as a team, but more importantly we became an expanded family, developing life-long friendships. Without doubt Jake was a father figure to many of us throughout our lives. He visited my family in New Jersey a number of years ago to see our kids play high school basketball. I remained in contact with him through the years with our relatively regular phone calls. We spoke about our families, but we never strayed too far from discussing the latest about Cromwell High School basketball and beyond, though we always disagreed about the Red Sox and the Yankees. I am very happy that I told him many times how much he meant to all of us throughout the years. He undoubtedly had a significant impact on my life and career and I will be forever grateful. His loss will leave a deep void in our lives and the world is a far poorer place today without Jake. Our prayers go to Shirley and the entire family.

Peter Amenta

Ruben millan

January 7, 2021

Jake Salafia was my neighbor for many years, but most of all he was like a father to me. I loved him dearly. I always felt very fortunate to have this relationship with such a great, and wonderful person. I will miss him very much.

January 7, 2021

Jake, you’ll truly be missed, but will always be remembered with love and happiness in our hearts.
Dennis and Linda Hannold

Thomas DALY

January 7, 2021

Coach Salafia was one of those people who helped many young people develop into better adults, and he set a great example of how a person should be a coach. Many of us who were his student/athletes will always remember him fondly.

Ginny Virgadula

January 7, 2021

To Shirley, Joe and family, Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family at this sad time. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of Jake and a life well lived. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ginny Virgadula

January 7, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Ron and Pat Heaphy

January 7, 2021

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our next door neighbor Jake Salafia. Jake always had a smile on his face and a good thing to say as we talked over the fence or would chat as he did his daily walk around the block. We will truly miss Jake and will help Shirley and the family in any way possible.

Mark Vickers

January 6, 2021

My condolences to the family. He was an incredible fixture at CHS and I am honored to have had the opportunity to have worked with him for a number of years. A great guy.

Beverly Towns

January 6, 2021

To Shirley and family My sincere sympathy to all of you. He and All are together coaching in Heaven. Beverly

Lisa Salafia White

January 6, 2021

Love you Dad. You were a legend in many ways and will be missed immensely. I am proud of you.

Bonnie (Bonita) Caso

January 6, 2021

Dear Joe, Steve and Lisa,
My deepest condolences go out to your whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our school was like a large family, Your dad was such a joy to be around. God Bless ❤

Dick Nixon

January 6, 2021

Thanks, Coach. You were one of the best.

Bud McDowell

January 6, 2021

Jake was an enormous influence on me, from the Saturday morning basketball clinics. Where I learned a love of the game. Then to be a “manager “ while a 7th grader in 1965.
Later he honored me by choosing me as his physician.
Always a gentleman, devoted to family. He molded many and will be very truly missed.
Love to the family.

Tim Hunt

January 6, 2021

Joe, Steve and families, I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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