Obituary of Katherine V. Salinardi

Katherine V. Salinardi passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at The Oaks Healthcare Center in Denville. She had shared 85 years of priceless wisdom, unconditional love, and unforgettable memories with family, friends, and students.

Born in Brooklyn, NY to the late John and Ethel Vlasis, Katherine was one of three daughters to bless their household. She spent her childhood in Hempstead, NY; Oakland, CA and finally Jersey City, NJ as her father’s various businesses took them around the country. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Jersey City, Class of 1954, she went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from New Jersey City State University, Class of 1958. She also earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education from New Jersey City State University and a Master of Education in Learning Disabilities from Montclair State University. She began her vocation as an Elementary School Teacher at Jefferson Elementary in Bergenfield. Once her daughter was born, she began working at Fairleigh Dickinson University as an Adjunct Professor. She retired in 2002 from East Side High School in Newark as a Special Education Teacher, after 17 years of service. Katherine met her best friend, and future husband, Robert R. Salinardi in Atlantic City at a Teacher’s Convention. They were married in 1963 and they settled in Chatham Township to raise their daughter.

Katherine was a member of the New Jersey Education Association and proud to be an educator for over forty years. She was an avid reader and a strong supporter of public libraries and public education. She loved Long Beach Island, Chinese food and her various pet dogs. What we will remember most, is her generosity, compassion, zest for life, and gregariousness. She was an attentive wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, kind sister, devoted teacher, and dependable friend. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her parents, and sister, Beatrice “Kiki” Walsh.

She leaves only joyful memories to her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Robert; her cherished daughter and son-in-law, Michele and D. Dean Beddow; her treasured grandchildren, Jonathan and Carolyn Beddow; her caring sister, Irene Sargent and her husband Harold; her dear nieces and nephew, Kerry, Dana, and Richard; and many more extended family and friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 7th from 3 – 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Funeral Service will take place on Friday, July 8th at 11 am at the Funeral Home. Memorial Donations are being accepted to The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Katherine here to continue to celebrate the incredible life she bestowed upon us.