Tony Saladino Jr.

Saladino, Tony Jr.

89, of Brandon, passed away Aug. 19, 2025, at home surrounded by family. A Tampa native born January 28, 1936 in Ybor City, he dedicated his life to education, family, faith, and the youth of Hillsborough County.

A Jefferson High graduate, Mr. Saladino earned degrees from the University of Tampa and George Peabody College. He taught physical education in Hillsborough County schools for 57 years. With his late wife, Bertha, he created two community staples: the Tony Saladino Award (1971), honoring the county's top senior baseball player, and the Tony Saladino Baseball Tournament (1981), which recently marked its 44th year.

He was honored by the Sports Club of Tampa Bay, Jefferson High School, the Tampa Baseball Museum, the Tampa Bay Rays, and both the Hillsborough County Commission and School Board. Parks and baseball fields in Brandon also bear the Saladino name.

Mr. Saladino was preceded in death by Bertha, his wife of 52 years, and his parents, Tony and Carmen. He is survived by his children, Tony Saladino III (Cheryl) and Toni Misty Saladino-Feist (Todd) and their children Tony Saladino IV (Danielle), Juston Feist (Desiree), Austin Sullivan, Jordan Feist (Taylor), Karis Lott (Ashley), Jonah Feist, Nico Saladino (Tiffany) and Noah Saladino; as well as his great-grandchildren, Eli Saladino, Tony Saladino V, Eva Feist and Baker Saladino, Tony also lovingly embraced his stepchildren, Thom Rodgers, Bette Nunez, and Linda Trujillo; 16 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 29, from 4–8 pm at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, Aug. 30, at 11 am at Nativity Catholic Church, followed by burial at Sunset Cemetery in Thonotosassa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the Saladino Baseball Tournament (Venmo: @saladinotournament or mailed to Saladino Tournament, 3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., Unit #328, Valrico, FL 33596).

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