William Pellegrino "Bill" Salomone

Syracuse has lost one of its brightest lights - a true hometown legend. William Pellegrino "Bill" Salomone, 90, of Venice, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025. He will be sorely missed as the patriarch of our family, our cornerstone of Italian traditions, a devoted husband, a loving father, and Papa. His laughter, his voice, and service in the community made him more than just a familiar face in Syracuse-he was truly cherished by many who knew him. He was well known as an entertainer whose booming baritone voice and boundless energy made every stage come alive
Bill was born in Syracuse to Alberto and Elena (Saudella) Salomone, proud immigrants from Naples, Italy. Bill was the second of three children, along with his beloved siblings, Susan (Vincent) Cogliandro and Alberto. He married his sweetheart Patricia (Garden) Salomone in 1966.
Bill graduated from North High School in 1953, and Lemoyne College, earning a BA in Sociology in 1957. His career began as a caseworker for Onondaga County Social Services. In 1960, Bill joined the Central New York Muscular Dystrophy Association as District Director. During his tenure, he established the first Jerry Lewis Camp in New York for children with muscular dystrophy. This endeavor required him to recruit and train over 100 volunteers. The Camp is a vital legacy that continues to run successfully in the community today. In 1969 he went on to serve as Executive Director of the American Heart Association of Upstate New York, where he remained until his retirement in 2000. His charismatic personality contributed to overseeing countless successful fundraising events. Over three decades, he became a pillar of the local chapter, organizing the annual Heart Ball and spearheading walkathons and countless other fundraising events. He was also part of developing a mobile Emergency Coronary Care Unit with improved lifesaving equipment to replace an aged ambulance unit. Some described him as, "the best boss I ever had", and some said, "He made work so much fun!"
Bill brought joy to sold-out audiences through his love of the theater, sharing his remarkable singing voice and captivating stage presence. For many years, he took on leading roles and mentored younger actors with the Pompeian Players, performing under the dedicated direction of his close friend, Monsignor Charles Borgognoni. He made lifelong friendships, and met the love of his life, his wife Patricia, who frequently performed beside him. From The Music Man to South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver, Carousel, Guys and Dolls, Annie and many more. Upon retirement, he and Patricia moved to Venice, Florida. Here he spread his passion for theatre by volunteering as an usher at the Venice Performing Arts Center with Patricia. He also nurtured his Italian heritage when he was welcomed by a second Italian family while working at Angelo's Italian Market and restaurant, his second home. Affectionately known as Mr. P, he was adored by both staff and patrons. Every Friday and Saturday, you could find him at Angelo's taking orders, welcoming customers, and often singing during dinner. The owners, Emilio and Loredana Rossitto, with their entire family and staff, embraced Bill and Patricia as their own, forming deep and lasting friendships. As a proud Italian American, Bill also successfully launched the first Festa Italiana downtown Syracuse which continues to be a local annual tradition.
Bill was devoted to the Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Pompei church in Syracuse and Our Lady of Lourds in Venice. He was a lifelong passionate fan of the New York Yankees, and Frank Sinatra. He was also a proud member of the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, and choirs in Syracuse and Venice.
Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia J. Salomone, and their four children: William A. Salomone (Maria), Maria S. Salomone (Michael Fruscello), Charles J. Salomone (Amber Martinez), and Laura Wilbur (Chuck). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Gabrielle, Adriana, Michael, Nicholas, Elena, Charles, Alex, Benjamin, and Arelia, and in-laws: Jim and Anne DiStefano, James and Libby Garden, and Nancy Nemeti. He is also survived by a number of cousins from as near as Connecticut and as far as Italy, London and Scotland. He has multiple nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings.
If you are one of many who knew Bill - one day when you randomly start whistling one of his beloved show tunes or Frank Sinatra songs - you will know that he has filled heaven with his beautiful voice.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff at Solaris Health Care in Port Charlotte Florida for their unwavering kindness, compassionate care for our father, and steadfast support for our family.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, followed by entombment in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made to the American Heart Association.