Father Joseph Salerno, 73, a priest of the Diocese of Camden for 48 years, died June 1.
A Brooklyn native, Father Salerno attended the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Brooklyn, and Our Lady of the Angels Seminary in Albany, before being ordained by Bishop Celestine J. Damiano on May 22, 1965, in Camden.
He served as pastor of St. Mary, Rosenhayn (1991-97); and Incarnation, Mantua (1997-2006).
Father Salerno was also parochial vicar at St. Joseph, Somers Point (1965); St. Joseph, Camden (1965-69); St. Lawrence, Lindenwold (1969-71); St. Martin de Porres, Hammonton (1971-75); St. Mary, Salem (1975-78); St. Raymond, Villas (1978); St. Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights (1978-82); St. Nicholas, Egg Harbor (1982-84); St. James, Ventnor (1986-88); and St. Peter, Merchantville (1988-91).
Since 1980, he worked with the diocesan Office of the Tribunal, serving as auditor, judge and later promoter of justice. From 2006-09, he was adjutant judicial vicar. Father Salerno also was active with the Diocesan Marian Commission.
Father David Klein, who worked with Father Salerno in the Office of the Tribunal, starting in 2002, remembered a priest who “always had a smile on his face, never complained, and was always interested in helping others.”
He retired in 2010.
Mass of Christian Burial was scheduled to take place at All Saints Parish, St. Mary Magdalen Church, Millville, on June 7. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Millville.