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Stephen Salerno, MD Obituary
Stephen M. Salerno (MD, MPH, FACP) passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at his home in Portland, OR, with his loving mother by his side.
Stephen was born the son of Michael and Letitia Salerno, on November 15, 1967, in Rome, NY.
He is survived by his mother, Letitia; his aunts and uncles, Teresa and Donald Williams, Diane Maggio, Christine Jobson and John (Donna) Salerno; along with many cousins.
Stephen was educated in Rome Schools and graduated from RFA in 1985. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on an ROTC Scholarship, majoring in biology. He graduated in 1989, cum laude, with BS and MS Degrees. He matriculated to the University of Rochester School of Medicine in 1993, graduating with a Doctorate Degree, along with a Distinction of Research Award. While there, he was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
Dr. Salerno completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Madigan Army Center in Tacoma, WA. He also practiced at Walter Reed Hospital, Tripler Hospital and Madigan Hospital. In his 21 years of serving in the army, he devoted his career to internal medicine and medical education, leading multiple forums, publishing many articles, as well as working on the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medicine. He retired from the United States Army in 2004, achieving the rank of Colonel. His many awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Director of Health Affairs Medal in Iraq during Iraqi Freedom and the Legion of Merit, which is the only U.S. military decoration that has distinct ranks for outstanding service, fidelity and loyalty.
Dr. Salerno served the last nine years of his career as Director of the Providence Medical Education System in Portland, OR, fostering a supportive learning environment that upheld the highest standards of professionalism. His influence as a teacher and mentor will be one of his lasting legacies.
The family would like to thank you for your kind words and outreach of condolences.
Contributions, in his name, may be made to the Fisher House Foundation, PO Box 791598, Baltimore, MD 21279.
Services for Stephen will be private.
You can share you condolences, stories or memories of Stephen online.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Salerno, MD
JH
March 19, 2025
May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. Sending condolences and prayers to his family and friends. He will be forever remembered and missed.
Robert Goldsteen
February 12, 2025
I had the honor of working under Steve in So Carolina as a program director. I also worked with him at Walter Reed. I just found out today when searching what Steve was up to. It was such an honor to know Steve and benefit from his kindness and experience. My deepest condolences. Rob Goldsteen
Paul Faestel
August 21, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I had the absolute pleasure of working with Stephen when he was my residency director at Tripler. I have thought of him often since this time as he brought forth so much wisdom, humor, and compassion. I like to think that he was surrounded by the hundreds of residents that he helped train at the time of his passing. The profession of medicine was truly better off with him in this world. He remains present by way of the innumerable lessons he provided to the healthcare professionals who continue to care for the sick each and every day.
Nicole Powell-Dunford
August 17, 2024
Dr Salerno was a great teacher and I remember him well from my internship and residency at Tripler. Greatly saddened by his passing
Keith Miller
August 17, 2024
I knew Steve through my years at Strough and RFA. He was easily the brightest person in our group, yet he wasn´t arrogant. He was a good friend to all of us. His humor lightened the day and his smile was always welcoming. I am sad to say that I lost touch with Steve after high school but it sounds like he lived a life of purpose which is no surprise to all of us. May he rest in peace.
Daniel Carlson
August 16, 2024
A thoughtful and caring mentor for me at Tripler Army Medical Center. He wanted nothing but the best for the patient and cared deeply for our education as young physicians. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
Richard Broderick
August 15, 2024
My deepest condolences on the loss of Stephen. He was a leader and mentor for me for 3 years at Tripler and he embodied all the qualities that one might look for in an Army officer, physician and leader. I´m incredibly grateful for all the instruction that he gave to me and for his inspiring leadership, unfailing kindness, sharp humor and enduring selflessness. RIP.
Courtney Johnson-Woods
August 13, 2024
Dear Mrs. Salerno,
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. My entire growing up included Steve´s presence - from nursery school through high school, I was blessed to have him as a friend and always in awe of how bright and driven he was.
One of my favorite memories was our trip to Europe when Stephen began yelling at a cab driver who almost hit us in Rome. Whatever choice words he used in that moment were in Italian! He was quiet and contemplative one minute, but could be so witty and could tell great stories. He was kind, warm, and had the best smile. And he absolutely thought the world of you and spoke of his mom with such honor and admiration. i will remember you in prayer and will think of Steve with great fondness.
Robert DeMuth
August 13, 2024
He was my Residency Program Director at Tripler in Hawaii. One of the nicest, most supportive people I´ve ever met and a true bright spot during a particularly difficult time in my life. He is truly missed.
Brian Ribeiro
August 13, 2024
I worked with Dr. Salerno at Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Moore (Benning), GA. He was an outstanding clinician, administrator and friend. He was an accomplished piano player as well. He had wisdom and experience beyond his years. The world is a lesser place with his passing. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Karen O'Brien
August 13, 2024
I worked with Steve at Ft Benning (Moore) several years and then again at Madigan. He was the Director of Medical Education when I was Deputy Commander for Clinical Services there. Steve was a passionate advocate from physician education and a brilliant clinician. Most of all, I loved his snarky sense of humor. He could always make me laugh in any situation. The world has lost a shining light. I´m so sorry for your loss.
Teresa Parsons, COL(Ret), U.S.Army
August 13, 2024
To the family of COL(Ret) Salerno, I offer my most sincere condolences. His dedication to the medical profession and stellar military service stand as testament to his family's legacy. His years of service at Tripler Army Medical Center were filled with compelling accounts of exceptional patient care.
I wish you Peace during this time of grief.
Veronica Rooks
August 13, 2024
To Stephen´s mother;
I´m truly sorry for your loss. I can´t imagine losing a child no matter what age. He was to me a gentle but fierce teacher standing up for what was right. He always had a quick shot and sly cute smile. His loss is all of ours - biggest of hugs to you.
Alex Niven
August 12, 2024
Steve was a force of nature - a penultimate internist, educator, and DIO who used his intelligence, experience, humor and occasional sarcasm to talk circles around those who did not see his wisdom and to passionately advocate for what was right - all while keeping a smile (or was it just a curl at the corner of his mouth...). I heard he was ill a few weeks ago and wrote him a letter which is on its way to you now. He was a colleague, friend, and mentor. The world has lost a great man today.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mónica Yepes-Rios
August 12, 2024
In my early introduction to military medicine, joining as a civilian, Steve was always incredibly supportive and encouraging. I regard him as a mentor who invested in people´s careers and wellbeing. He embraced belonging and the possibilities one could achieve.
You will be missed and always remembered
Donna Rizzo-Aiello
August 3, 2024
Beautiful Letitia.. I am so very sorry for your loss of your precious son. He was such an amazing man. He had such a purposeful life, full of the love and values that you and my Godfather instilled in him. He did amazing works in life and made a difference in so many lives. I send my love and prayers.. love your Goddaughter, Donna
Ashley
August 1, 2024
It was the late 90´s when Stephen came to visit at my parent´s house in Victor. I remember the day vividly, most likely because we didn´t see one another often and also because it seemed impossible to me, at the time, that I could be related to someone so "together" and professional. Stephen was 10 years older and sat (literally) in stark contrast to me across the room-he in a navy blue V-neck sweater and me, most likely, in clothes so oversized that my father could have loosely worn them. I remember his coy smile and soft spoken voice that reminded me of his mother and how he giggled nervously when trying to avoid prying questions my mom asked about his personal life. He fascinated me with how he so solidly knew his life´s purpose and how he seemed to know (humbly) just about everything about everything. I remember his dark eyes, kind and sincere, that saw me as I was and accepted me as I was. Despite my unconventional appearance, he didn´t once comment on my clothing choices or alternative lifestyle. Instead, he asked thoughtful questions and listened to the answers. I remember how he both surprised and impressed me that day-he spoke as my equal (although I certainly felt we were not) and conveyed that even for the couple hours of his visit, that he genuinely wanted to be there. Stephen left that day and I´m not sure if I ever saw him again. I do remember, though, that he made me feel seen and valued in this world. I´m sure that in the almost 30 years that followed, he made thousands of others: patients, friends, and family, feel the same. His life was a gift.
"What though the radiance which was once so bright be now forever taken from my sight. Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find Strength in what remains behind." - Wordsworth
Antoinette Pacicca Becker
August 1, 2024
Letitia, I am so sorry for your loss.
Ronald Femia
July 28, 2024
Letitia,
I am so proud of our families for accomplishing so much.
I am sure Stephan was a gift to those around him and to those whom he treated.
It seems like yesterday when Shelley and I first moved to Rome. I was always so proud of my Rome family and although life often separates us, the bond of a family perseveres.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Ron and Shelley Femia
Don Williams
July 27, 2024
" I love you both equally the same"! Thank you Stephen. Don and Teresa
Rich Rosello
July 26, 2024
Mrs. Salerno
I am so sorry for your loss.
Steve was one of the most kindest & smart friends I remember from school. I am not surprised he spent his life helping others.
You are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Christopher Plumley
July 25, 2024
Ms. Salerno and family I am truly sorry to hear the sad News of your son's passing. It seems like yesterday we were discussing his options going in the U.S. Army and I gave some feedback on some of my knowledge of the Army, of course after reading his obituary it was clear he had a very successful and impressive career and also all his accomplishments after the military. I cannot say if our paths crossed but my many years at the Pentagon and sometime in Bethesda, I wish I had. May he RIP, I salute him and pray for you and your family. God Bless You All
Christopher Plumley
Andrea Roast
July 25, 2024
Steve was a great person with a wonderful sense of humor. Workwise, he is one of those irreplaceable people -- an incredible advocate for those whom he lead. We all trusted him implicitly when representing and negotiating for our needs. He will be greatly missed.
John Kerin
July 25, 2024
I was saddened to hear of Stephen's passing, and offer my condolences to Mrs. Salerno and family. His sharp intellect helped to make me and all of his study group partners at RFA strive harder and do better. It is not at all surprising to find that he did the same with his career. An exemplary man, a life will lived. Rest in peace.
Frank Femia
July 25, 2024
Dear Letitia,
We are so very sorry to hear about your son, Stephen.
I did not meet him while you lived in Rome and that is truly unfortunate.
I wish I could have honored him on the truly great achievements of his life.
It will be the precious memories of his life and accomplishments that will guide you though this difficult time.
Speaking of memories I still recall when the Femia Family visited your family on Mill Street.
Your Mom & my Dad were two characters when it came to fun and laughter.
Memories are never forgotten and only will evolve about Stephen and strengthen you.
Debbie & I will pray for you to enrich you with strength and for Stephen on his journey to the Lord.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love
Frank & Debbie Femia
Scott Marsal
July 25, 2024
Day after day, year after year, Steve worked with focus and effectiveness in advocating for the vulnerable patients we serve as well as the interns and residents in the midst of their challenging years in graduate medical education. Steve always moved towards the thorniest challenges, bringing thoughtful solutions to the teams he worked with each week. He was a tremendous role model for all with his professionalism and dedication to the profession. He helped make our residency training programs in Oregon stronger. I will miss Steve- his intelligence, his wit, and his commitment to serving others.
Barb Kembrey
July 25, 2024
Letitia so sorry for your loss.
Barb Kembrey
Brinton Clark
July 24, 2024
Steve was an incredible advocate for the resident physicians in the Providence training programs in Oregon. He always went to bat for them provide the best possible educational experience and the most generous benefits to support them. He was personally a treasured mentor who helped me tremendously through the first two years of my role as a program director. I will miss him.
Chris Angotti
July 24, 2024
Letitia, my mom and I have gotten updates on Stephen through Diane and we are so sorry for his pain and suffering and your loss.
Arwen Domenico Areyzaga
July 24, 2024
My deepest condolences to Stephen's mother and his whole family. We were friends as children and teens, and I spent many happy hours playing Dungeons & Dragons campaigns at the Salerno home. We all knew Stephen was a genius and would accomplish great things, which he most certainly did. I hope his life and legacy are a comfort to his loved ones.
John Flaver
July 24, 2024
As a youngster, Stephen took clarinet lessons from me.
May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Prayerfully,
John Flaver
Vincent Femia
July 23, 2024
Letitia, so sorry to hear of your sons passing. He certainly was an amazing individual. Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family.
Vinny and Marsha Femia
Patricia Parry
July 23, 2024
Dear Letitia,
I am so very sorry of Stephen´s passing. Of course, there are no words, but there are heartfelt wishes and healing thoughts
to help comfort you.
Joe Femia
July 23, 2024
Dear Letitia,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I always enjoyed hearing about Stephen's many accomplishments. Roberta and I will keep you in our prayers.
Joe F
Bobbie Furedy
July 22, 2024
Dear Letitia
Please except my sincere sympathy
On the loss of precious son.
I will keep you in my thoughts and
Prayers. Bobbie Furedy
Angela Previte
July 22, 2024
Dear Letitia, i am so sorry. No words sre adequate. In my prayers. God bless you. Angela Previte
Phyllis Schwartz
July 22, 2024
Letitia, I am very sorry to learn of the loss of your precious son. He was very gifted and a dedicated person. I will pray for him.
Your classmate Phyllis Colangelo Schwartz
Stephanie Schell
July 22, 2024
Served his country and community.
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